My Islam File        Muslim map of world

Today's Gospel: 

 As well as supporting work for the poor in HK (especially prisoners), this little website also supports two beautiful projects in Africa: 

1. The work of HK volunteer Janny in Malawi, helping many poor people/families/schools/clinics.  Photos of Janny at this file

2. The work of local social worker Grace in Tanzania, now helping some 47 (!) families of inmates in HK.  Photos of Grace (in green, photos 7 & 8 at this file)

Baruch 3-4

Listen, Israel, to commands that bring life and peace. Remember all that God has taught us.

As by your will you strayed away from God, so now turn back and search for him ten times as hard.

Lord, please help us not to forget you

Psalm 92

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music to your name, O Most High,

to proclaim your love in the morning, and your truth right through the night.

Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad. For the work of your hands, I shout with joy.

To me you give the wild ox's strength. You anoint me with the purest oil.

May we love and praise you right through our lives, right till the end of our days.

May we keep on proclaiming your goodness, proclaiming that in you, our rock, there is only goodness.

Lord, it is right and fitting to love and praise you

Recording

1 Thessalonians 4.13-18

You asked us about the situation of people who have died. Do not mourn in an unhealthy way for them, like people who have no hope

We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for everyone who dies in God's friendship: God will give them life with Jesus. They will live in God's House for ever

With thoughts such as these you should comfort one another in times of mourning

Jesus, please increase my faith in the life to come

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

 John 20.11-18

Peter and John went home. Mary Magdalene remained at the tomb, crying. When she looked inside the tomb, she saw two angels in white. She also saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognize him

Jesus said "Woman, why are you crying?". Mary thought he was the gardener so she said to him "If you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him"

Jesus said "Mary" and she recognized him. Jesus then said "I will ascend to my Father"

Mary went and told the disciples all she had seen and heard

Jesus, please bless people who are crying at funerals today. May awareness of your presence bring them peace and strength for the days ahead

Recording

The Story of "A-Wing"

Fr William Grimm (Tokyo)

For the Church, migrants are a solution, not a problem
Oversees workers can be evangelizers as well as laborers

Click to enlarge

The end of the Arabs and the fall of Arabism

10 years ago today

2005-04-07 Evening English classes at Ricci Centre for primary 4,5,6

Something to smile about for those of us over 65: from the start of this month, all travel on HK's green mini-buses (like the ones I caught to and from Tai Lam prison yesterday) will cost only HK$2 ...just like ordinary buses + ferries + metro ....thank you HK government!

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 7th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Hebei

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 7th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Burkina Faso

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, please pacify Boko Haram 

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 HK Asylum Seekers' File
(stopping South Asians from being "people smuggled" to HK)

My Islam File    Muslim map of world

Analysis: Are the terrorists of al-Shabaab about to tear Kenya in two?

Kenya attacks: Brute force isn't enough to beat the terrorists   

The Pope's thoughts turn to the poor of Rome

Pope uses Easter message to focus on Kenya, Syria and Iraq

Baruch 1-2 

The message of Baruch, written in Babylon for the exiles living there,
and sent to Jerusalem for the people still there:

Let us pray that our genuine service for the king of Babylon
will win his favor and protection.

To us belongs a look of shame, because we have not listened
to the message of the Lord our God.

Lord, please listen to our prayer.
Rescue us from exile and humiliation.

Dear God, please help all exiles return to their homeland

My recording of this reading

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High says to the Lord "you are my refuge in whom I trust".

The Lord will hide you and protect you. Under his wings you will find refuge.

You will not fear any night time terror, nor any attack during the day.

Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell.

For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you safe in all your ways.

Dear God, thank you for your protection day and night

Recording

1 Thessalonians 4.1-11

We urge you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus to make more and more progress in the kind of life you are meant to live

God wants you to be holy. He wants you to keep away from fornication

Live life peacefully. Get a decent job and earn your living

Jesus, make me be a better person, a better Christian

Recording

Matthew 28.1-15

Jesus died on Friday afternoon.
Early on Sunday morning, two women went to Jesus' tomb.

Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, and an angel from heaven came and rolled away the big stone at the tomb's entrance.
The guards at the tomb were terrified of the angel.

The angel said to the women "Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen from the dead. Go and tell his disciples he has risen from the dead and will see them in Galilee".

The women were filled with joy and ran to tell this news to the disciples.

As they left the tomb area, Jesus himself appeared to them and said  "Do not be afraid. Go and tell the disciples they must go to Galilee. They will see me there".

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
You are the Savior of the world

Recording

The Greatness of Easter
I hope the Joy of the Resurrection greets you and yours this Easter Monday morning!

A grandmother with cancer

We are an Easter people 

Stern Hu's confession of bribery was made after a promise that co-operation with Chinese authorities would directly lead to freedom.

10 years ago today

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 6th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Yunnan

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 6th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Liberia

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, please pacify ISIS 

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 HK Asylum Seekers' File
(stopping South Asians from being "people smuggled" to HK)

My Islam File      Muslim map of world

May the Risen Lord give hope and peace to our troubled world .... and give a special blessing to all dear readers of this website!

c.f. readings for Easter Sunday

Acts 10.34-43

Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: ‘You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee. 

God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good, and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.

And about how they killed him by hanging him on a tree, yet three days afterwards God raised him to life. We have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead. It is to him that all the prophets bear this witness: that all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name.’

Jesus, Risen Lord, please increase my faith in you

My recording of this reading

Psalm 118

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say: 
"His love has no end."

The Lord's right hand has triumphed. His right hand has raised me up. I shall not die, I shall live and recount all his deeds.

The stone which the builders rejected, has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,
a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord.
We rejoice and are glad.

Recording

YouTube: This is the Day

Colossians 3.1-2

Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ,
focus on heaven, where Christ is, sitting at the Father's right hand

Let your thoughts be more on heavenly things,
less on the things that are on earth

Jesus, please help me think more often about heaven.....since that's where I hope to spend all eternity! Help me understand how this present world is just a temporary arrangement

Recording

John 20.1-9

Before dawn the next morning, Sunday, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb.  She saw the stone had been moved from the tomb's entrance

She ran to Peter and John and said "Someone has taken the Lord out of the tomb"

They ran back to the tomb. Peter went in first. He saw that the linen cloths were on the ground. But the cloth that had been around Jesus' head was not on the ground. It was neatly folded and in a place by itself

Then John went into the tomb. He saw, and he believed

Jesus, I believe you rose from the dead. Please increase my faith

Recording

 Brutal reality sets in for Kenyans after 'senseless' massacre

The call came in just after 7am.

Fred Musinai’s daughter, Elizabeth Namarone, told him that gunmen were going from room to room at her university hostel, shooting any students they identified as Christian on the spot.

“Ask mum to pray very hard,” she told her father. “These people are just killing us.”

Several hours later, the phone rang again. It was one of the gunmen, who told Musinai that he had just shot his 21-year-old daughter dead.

Al-Shabaab leader 'responsible for Garissa attack' is Kenyan

 China to patrol for pirates off Somalia

Alabama man off death row after 28 years to jailers- You will answer to God

10 years ago
 today

2005-04-05 Raincoats for Ricci Centre children - thank you last week's HK visitors

Easter - we again use "Alleluia" (after not using it for 6 weeks of Lent). So, this alleluia joke:

A man bought a donkey from a preacher. The preacher told the man that this donkey had been trained in a very unique way (being the donkey of a preacher). The only way to make the donkey go, was to say, "Hallelujah!" The only way to make the donkey stop, was to say, "Amen!"

The man was pleased with his purchase and immediately got on the animal to try out the preacher's instructions.
"Hallelujah!" shouted the man. The donkey began to trot. "Amen!" shouted the man. The donkey stopped immediately.

"This is great!" said the man. With a "Hallelujah" he rode off, very proud of his new purchase.

The man traveled for a long time through the mountains. As he headed towards a cliff, he tried to remember the word to make the donkey stop. "Stop," said the man. "Halt!" he cried. The donkey just kept going.

"Oh, no..." ..."Bible...Church!...Please! Stop!!," shouted the man. The donkey just began to trot faster. He was getting closer and closer to the edge of the cliff.

Finally, in desperation, the man said a prayer..."Please, dear Lord. Please make this donkey stop before I go off the end of this mountain, In Jesus' name, AMEN."

The donkey came to an abrupt stop just one step from the edge of the cliff.

"HALLELUJAH!" shouted the man.

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 5th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Guizhou

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 5th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Chad

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, please bless all Muslims in my own country 

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 HK Asylum Seekers' File
(stopping South Asians from being "people smuggled" to HK)

My Islam File      Muslim map of world

Holy Thursday:
Pope washed feet of 13 people in prison! 
Click to enlarge these beautiful photos

Luke 23.33-38

When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there, and the two criminals also, one on his right, the other on his left

Above his head was placed a sign  "This is the King of the Jews"

Jesus prayed "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing"

The leaders made fun of him "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Christ of God"

The soldiers mocked him too "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself"

Jesus, you forgave those who mocked you and crucified you. I forgive anyone who has been unkind to me

My recording of this reading

Luke 23.39-43

One of the criminals hanging on a cross mockingly said to  Jesus
"Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well"

But the other criminal rebuked the first one and said "We are paying the penalty for our crimes. But this man has done nothing wrong"

"Jesus", he said, "remember me when you come into your kingdom"

Jesus replied "I promise you, this day you will be with me in Paradise"

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom

Recording

Luke 23.44-49

At about midday, there was an eclipse of the sun. The whole land was in darkness until about 3pm

The veil of the Temple was torn right down the middle

Jesus cried out in a loud voice "Father, into your hands I entrust my life".  Then he died

When the Roman army leader saw what had happened, he said "This was a great and good man"

The people who had been present went home asking God for mercy. Jesus' friends stood at a distance and saw all that had happened

Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for the salvation of the world

Recording

Luke 23.50-56

Joseph from the town of Arimathaea was a member of the religious leaders' council. He was a good and just man, and had not agreed to the killing of Jesus

Late Friday afternoon, he went to Governor Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He took it down from the cross, wrapped it in a burial cloth, and put it in a rock tomb that had not yet been used

The women from Galilee who had come to Jerusalem with Jesus went with Joseph to the tomb. Then they left to prepare burial spices and ointments. They planned to put these on Jesus' body after the Saturday Sabbath day of rest

Jesus in the tomb, please give eternal life to all the dead

Recording

Islamist militants storm Kenya's Garissa University College, killing Christians and holding other students hostage

Pope sends condolences for victims of attack in Kenya

Kevin Walters (UK)

Asian air is killing us
The overwhelming majority – 70 percent – of global air pollution deaths occur in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia regions.  South Asia has eight of the top 10 and 33 of the top 50 cities with the worst PM concentrations in the world. 

10 years ago
 on this day

Holy Saturday tomb joke:
There were once some music fanatics who were fascinated with the works of Ludwig von Beethoven. They listened to, and played everything that he had ever written. Finally, after years of saving, they went to Europe to see where this legend had been buried.
When they got to the cemetery, they found the tomb where his body had been laid. However, one of the fanatics saw that the door was left slightly ajar. They turned to each other, wondering if they should look in, or shut the door. They decided to look in, just out of curiosity.
Upon looking in the tomb, they saw a very strange sight. Beethoven was sitting at a desk, frantically erasing copies of everything he had ever written! "Beethoven, sir!," one of them exclaimed, "What are you doing?!"
Beethoven turned calmly to the group, and answered them. "I'm decomposing..."

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 4th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Guangdong

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 4th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Mozambique

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, please pacify the Taliban

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 HK Asylum Seekers' File
(stopping South Asians from being "people smuggled" to HK)

My Islam File     Muslim map of world

Good Friday was when a young Eugene de Mazenod was tsunamied by the love of Jesus.
May Good Friday always have a powerful effect on our hearts .... and give us courage to live better lives as Christians

Prayer before a Crucifix

Stations of the Cross from the Iona Passion Play (Brisbane)

The Jesus Stabat Mater

c.f. readings for Good Friday

Isaiah 52-53

See, my servant will prosper,
he shall be lifted up and exalted.

As the crowds were appalled on seeing him - so disfigured did he look - so will the crowds be astonished at him, for they will see something that has never happened before.

Without beauty, without majesty,  we saw him. He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. He was despised and we took no account of him.

And yet ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrows he carried. He was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins.

On him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through his wounds we are healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, and the Lord burdened him with our sins.

Harshly dealt with, he bore it humbly, never opening his mouth.

He let himself be taken for a sinner, and all the time he was suffering and praying for sinners.

Jesus, these words refer to you. Thank you for all you suffered to redeem the world.

My recording of this reading

Psalm 31

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in distress. My eyes are full of tears, my heart full of sorrow.

Everyone makes fun of me. My friends don't want to know me.
Save me, Lord, from this mess.

I praise you Lord, for you protect those who trust you. You keep them safe from slander and lies.

Be strong, let your heart take courage, all you who  trust in the Lord

I trust in you, Lord. My life is in your hands

Recording

Words of today's first reading in this beautiful YouTube song: 
With What Great Love

Hebrews 4

  During his life on earth, Jesus offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard.

Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.

Jesus, you are the source of eternal salvation

Recording

John 19.17-24

Carrying his own crossbeam, Jesus went out of the city to the place called Golgotha, where they crucified him with two other men, one on each side of him

Pilate had the charge against Jesus written out and attached to the top of the cross. It read "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"

When the soldiers had finished crucifying Jesus, they divided his clothes among them

Jesus nailed to the Cross, thank you for suffering for the salvation of the world

  Recording

What I saw at the Nigerian polling booths was inspirational. Brits could learn from it

Last night (Thursday) Pope Francis was due to wash inmates' feet. Late yesterday afternoon at Lai Chi Kok Detention Centre I tried to follow his example. Once again I asked the men to excuse me from following Francis' custom of kissing the feet he washes. Come to think of it, when one visits someone in prison, one is visiting ...Jesus ....so when inmates' feet are washed, it's Jesus' feet being washed! This is turning last night's Gospel on its Head?!

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 3rd of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Gansu

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 3rd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Burundi

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, on this Muslim day of prayer, please bless all Muslims!

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 HK Asylum Seekers' File
(stopping South Asians from being "people smuggled" to HK)

My Islam File     Muslim map of world

Click to enlarge
these beautiful
Holy Thursday images

   

Australian man sentenced to death in China for trying to smuggle "ice" to Australia; second man awaiting trial

Australia pays highest price for "Ice", hence the smuggling efforts 

Lovely Easter present from printer yesterday: Chinese edition of Doctor Jesus, in Simplified (as distinct from Traditional) characters. DG!

Many thanks to kind friends and editors who made this printing possible. Whole text, in 11 different languages (= the languages of HK's prisoners) is here.  

       c.f. readings for Holy Thursday

Exodus 12-13

God said to Moses and Aaron
"On the evening of the 14th day of this month, each family must kill and eat a one year old male sheep or goat. Some of its blood must be put on your front door.

You must eat it in a hurry, with a belt round your waist, sandals on your feet, and a staff in your hand.

This night I will go through the land of Egypt and strike every first-born Egyptian

But when I see the blood on your doors, I shall PASS OVER your homes, and you shall be unharmed.

Each year you must remember this night. Each year you must observe this feast of the Passover.

Jesus, Passover Lamb of God, we praise you Lord!

My recording of this reading

Psalm 116

I love the Lord for he has heard the cry of my appeal. He turned his ear to me in the day when I called him.

They surrounded me, sorrow, distress and the snares of death.
I was helpless, so the Lord saved me.

Calm down my soul, for the Lord has been good. I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise to thank the Lord.

O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful. Lord, you have loosened my bonds. I am your servant.

Jesus, thank you for the cup of salvation that is your Eucharistic Blood 

Recording

1 Corinthians 11.20-26

Concerning the Lord's Supper, this is what I received from the Lord and then taught you:

On the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, broke it and said "This is my body which will be broken for you"

After supper he took a cup and said "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Each time you drink this cup, drink it in memory of me"

Until the Lord comes, therefore, each time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you re-enact the death of the Lord

Jesus, help me understand how bread and wine become your body and blood when Christians celebrate the Eucharist

Recording

John 13.1-15

While Jesus and his disciples were eating a meal just before the Passover, Jesus got up from the table, removed his outer clothing,  and wrapped a  towel around his waist as an apron

He then poured water into a basin, and like a slave, began to wash the disciples' feet, wiping them with the towel he was wearing

After washing their feet he said to them "You are right in calling me Master and Lord. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have humbly served you, you should humbly serve one another

I have given you an example, so that you may copy what I have done for you"

Jesus, please help us to serve other people humbly, just as you humbly served the disciples

Recording

George Monbiot

Two-thirds of frontline care workers receive less than the living wage. Ten percent are illegally paid less than the minimum wage. This abuse is not confined to the UK: in the US, 27% of care workers who make home visits are paid less than the legal minimum

New president is "an incorruptible politician who lives modestly".  May the world have more such leaders!

Cardinal Francis George O.M.I. back in hospital for hydration issues, pain management

At cemetery ceremony yesterday to put ashes in a columbariun, I noticed three opened bottles of beer below neighboring section of the memorial wall (after a previous service) ....since the deceased relative like beer.  At which one member of the family I was with was quick to say "don't forget, I like Scotch"! 

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 2nd of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Fujian

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 2nd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Niger

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, please pacify Al-Qaeda 

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 HK Asylum Seekers' File
(stopping South Asians from being "people smuggled" to HK)

My Islam File      Muslim map of world

Frank Brennan S.J.

The death penalty is always political  

Living here in the USA for a year, I have come to realise that the death penalty infects every justice system no matter how good and robust it is. In the end, the death penalty is always political. 

That’s why I am very grateful to Pope John Paul II who changed his position.   

Brendan Hoban:
The pull of Good Friday
For anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, time stood still on Good Friday and, like Christmas Day, the mood of Good Friday creates in us a need to somehow affirm its importance in our lives.

This is why so many find themselves drawn towards a church on Good Friday. Even those whose faith may be uncertain and whose religious practice may have ceased can find themselves in reflective mood on Good Friday.

John Allen:

Why ‘left v. right’ is a category mistake for the Church in Africa

- re the dramatic stand taken by Burundi archbishop against president's effort to seek an unconstitutional third term

c.f. readings for Wed of Holy Week

Isaiah 50

The Lord has opened my ear to hear his message. The Lord has given me words to proclaim his message.

For my part, I made no resistance,
neither did I turn away.

I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard.

I did not protect my face from insult and spittle. I set my face like flint. The Lord will help me.

Jesus, please help me understand how these words refer to you

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.

Jesus, please help me understand how these words refer to you

Recording

Matthew 26.14-25 (a) 

Recording

Chris McDonnell (Wed UK blogger) 

Rabboni
We have reached the middle of Holy Week. The efforts and failures of Lent are behind us. The entry into Jerusalem has taken place and the buzz of Passover is present in the city

US Admiral sounds the alarm of China's intentions in South China Sea

Robert Mickens

Preacher and pope compelled by the Spirit
The Argentine pope was one of the few people in the tradition-laden Vatican hierarchy who did not gasp when the fiery preacher said the church needed to emulate the "courage" of St. Francis of Assisi and get rid of the "the residue of past ceremonials, laws and disputes [that are] now only debris."

10 years ago today

2005-04-01 Visit to Ricci Centre by some 30(!) arts students. Thank you Mr Cheng & Cherry

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 1st of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Anhui

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 1st of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Zaire (Congo)

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, please pacify Al-Shabaab 

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 HK Asylum Seekers' File
(stopping South Asians from being "people smuggled" to HK)

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

My Islam File

Political leaders who live(d) a simple life style and care(d) for the poor

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)

YouTube from KLM!

North Africa refugee boat - Link

Abortion Survivor’s Letter
 to the Abortionist

Tribalism lives on, 
for better and for worse

Video: Sydney Peace Prize Lecture by Julian Burnside  

16 Documents of Vatican II

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

Be careful of junk reading re Pope:
Chancery report in English
Chancery report in Chinese

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

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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