My Islam File        Muslim map of world

"Gay marriage" - Elephants in men's room

The New Translation

In this week before Pentecost, let's often pray every day:
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on our world!
Set your seal on my heart!

In a few days Ireland will be holding a referendum on "gay marriage"

What surprises me most is the crusade (too strong a word?) in many Catholic media sites on behalf of "gay marriage"

So why am I against "gay marriage". For medical reasons - as I've tried to explain in this in this article

Genesis 12-13

God said to a man in the land of Haran named Abraham, "Leave your own country and go to a new land I will give you. I will make you into a great nation."

So Abraham and his family  left the land of Haran, and moved to the land of Canaan.

God said to Abraham, "I will make your descendants as many as the number of dust particles on the ground, an uncountable number."

Even though Abraham and his wife Sarah were old and had no children, Abraham believed God's promise to give them many descendants.

Dear God, please help me to trust you like Abraham

Psalm 133

How good and how pleasant it is
when people live in unity.

It is like precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard.

It is like the dew of Hermon which falls on the heights of Zion.

For there the Lord gives his blessing, life for ever.

Dear Lord, please help all the peoples of the world  to live as one family, in unity.

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

Titus 2.1-10

It's your job to preach the behavior that goes with sound doctrine:

the older men should be reserved, dignified, moderate, sound in faith and love

The older women should be teachers of good behavior, avoiding scandal mongering and too much wine. They should be an example to the younger women in their love for their husbands and children

Younger men should be moderate, with yourself setting an example of sincerity for them

Slaves should be obedient to their masters, and avoid petty thieving

Jesus,  help me be a good person, a good Christian

Recording

 John 10.23-38

When Jesus was walking in the Temple, some religious leaders said to him "If you are the Christ, tell us plainly"

Jesus replied "I have told you, but you do not believe me. The miracles I do in my Father's name also witness to who I am. The Father and I are one"

The leaders picked up stones to stone Jesus and said "We will  stone you for blasphemy. You are only a man and you claim to be God"

Jesus replied "If I am not doing my Father's work, then do not believe me. But if am doing my Father's work, you must know that the Father and I are one. He is in me and I am in him"

Jesus, please help more people believe that you are the Son of God

Recording

 One good thing about Tanzania: it has always accepted refugees. 
Growing refugee flood worries UN aid agency

How Nkurunziza sneaked back into Burundi after coup bid

My weekly article in today's Ming Pao newspaper
with the topic: You may marry anyone .... but
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

Three churches in a local town pooled their efforts to sponsor a revival. After the revival, members from the three churches gathered to compare notes.

"Our church did very well in the revival," the first noted. "We gained four new members!"

"We did even better," said the second. "Our church gained six new members."

"We were very pleased too," said the third. "We lost our ten most troublesome members."

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

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 19th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Sudan

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

"Gay marriage" - Elephants in men's room

The New Translation

With other O.M.I.s from the China/HK Delegation, I'm now on annual retreat at St Paul's Retreat Centre, Sheung Shui. 
Retreat began last night and is being led by Fr Phil Estrella O.M.I. from the Philippines.

What a good time to be on retreat: the week before Pentecost!
This week, every day, many times every day, no matter where we are, let's often pray:
Come Holy Spirit, 
fall afresh on our world!

Genesis 9-11 

Noah's descendants spread to many lands. They started speaking new languages. They discovered how to make bricks.

In one place, Babel,  they tried to build a very high tower. But God was not pleased with them. 

God scattered the people of Babel to many places.

Dear God, the human family uses so many different languages. Please help us to live peacefully together on this earth

My recording of this reading

Psalm 130

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice.

If you, O Lord, should  record our guilt, Lord, who would survive?

But with you is found forgiveness.
For this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord.
I count on his word.

My soul is longing for the Lord
more than watchman for the daybreak.

With the Lord there is mercy
and fullness of redemption.

Israel indeed he will redeem
from all its  iniquity.

Lord, please forgive me for all the bad things I have done

Recording

Titus 1.1-9

From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to Titus, true child of mine in the faith we share, wishing you grace and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Saviour

The reason I left you behind in Crete was for you to appoint elders in every town: each of them a man of irreproachable character, married only once, not arrogant or hot-tempered, not a heavy drinker, not out to make money

A man who is hospitable and a friend of all that is good; sensible, devout, with a firm grasp of the Good News, a good teacher, able to refute people who argue against sound doctrine

Jesus, please help all pastors be good "elders"

Recording

John 10.11-14

Jesus said to the religious leaders "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep

A hired man, since he has no real concern for the sheep, abandons them and runs away if he sees a wolf coming

I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep, and my own sheep know me"

Jesus, Good Shepherd, please help me to be a good sheep, and a good shepherd

Recording

Jesus Christ is Peace

We are to find our peace in Jesus Christ

Man from South American flight arrested HK airport - HK$2m cocaine find

Then it moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy.

Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution.

Then it moved to Europe, where it became a culture.

Finally, it moved to the United States, where it became a business.

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

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 18th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Ivory Coast

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

"Gay marriage" - Elephants in men's room

The New Translation

ISIS leader: Islam is a religion of war, not peace

"When al-Baghdadi says that Islam was never a religion of peace, he is exaggerating. Islam also had periods of peace. To say that Islam is only war is a mistake.

Islam is both war and peace. And it is high time for Muslims to re-examine their history"

Janny Law is a HK volunteer working in one of Africa's poorest countries - Malawi. Photos of her work for the poor here and here

Janny is now in HK for a short holiday. She's due to say a few words at the end of my 8.30am Mass at St Paul's YMT next  Sunday May 24

HK friends are most welcome to meet Janny at a simple Yum Cha after Mass on the 24th

c.f. Readings for Ascension

Acts 1.1-11

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"

On the day he was taken up to heaven, Jesus said to his apostles "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will be my witnesses in every part of the world"

As he said this, he was lifted up while they watched. A cloud took him from their sight

Then two angels appeared to them and said "Jesus who has been taken up from you, will come back some day in the same way as you have seen him leave"

Jesus, help me be your witness by the way I think and speak and live

My recording of this reading

Psalm 47

All peoples, clap your hands, cry to God with shouts of joy. For the Lord, our Creator, we must love and honor, great king over all the earth.

God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. Sing praise for God, sing praise, sing praise to our king, sing praise

God is king of all the earth. Sing praise with all your skill. God is king over the nations. God reigns on his holy throne

Jesus ascended to heaven, let all the nations love and honor you

Recording

Ephesians 1.17-23

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you more and more wisdom and knowledge to see ever more clearly his great love for you

May he enlighten your mind to hope for the glorious life he has prepared for us in heaven

God the Father raised Christ from death, and put him on the divine throne

Christ is the C.E.O. of  the universe, in charge of everything, from galaxies to governments. No one and nothing is exempt from his rule

At the center of everything is the church. It is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts

Jesus ascended to heaven, help me understand how the church is the heart of the world, pumping your life and love to all parts of the world

Recording

Mark 16.15-20

Jesus appeared to the 11 apostles. He said to them "Go everywhere in the world. Proclaim the Good News to all creation. Anyone who believes and is baptized, will be saved. Anyone who refuses to believe, will be condemned

These are the signs that will be associated with believers:
- in my name they will cast out devils
- they will have the gift of tongues
- they will pick up snakes in their hands
- they will be unharmed if they drink poison
- they will lay their hands on the sick, who will be healed"

And so, the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up to heaven, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming their message by the miracles that accompanied the message

Jesus ascended to heaven, please help Christians understand that the "signs" you spoke of were not just for the time of the apostles, but for all time

Recording

Cardinal Tagle of Philippines will be a force in Catholicism for a long time
Already dubbed the “Asian Francis,” Cardinal Tagle got another boost this week with his election to lead a global federation of Catholic charities

 click to enlarge

 The Proxy Wars of Arabia

Junípero Serra, saint or not?
The upcoming canonization of Junípero Serra is causing controversy as his supporters view him as the Franciscan who brought Christianity to California Indians, while his opponents see him as a co-conspirator with the oppression of the Indians by the Spanish empire. Pope Francis will canonize him at a Sept. 23 Mass in Washington, D.C.

Kenya cardinal calls for dialogue at Garissa massacre memorial

10 years ago
 today

2005-05-17 Zhaoqing University students, after visit to Ricci Centre for school-less children

For the Feast of the Ascension:
A preacher found three little boys sitting on a curb playing hooky from school. Don't you want to go to heaven? he admonished them.  Sure do, two of the boys answered, but the third replied, No sir. What's the matter? You mean you don't want to go to heaven when you die? Oh, oh,  when I die! exclaimed the youngster. Of course I do, when I die. I thought you were getting up a crowd to go now

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

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 17th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Malawi

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

"Gay marriage" - Elephants in men's room

The New Translation

Why is Pope Francis taking so much flak over the encyclical on the environment?

Dissenters are coming out of the woodwork before the document is even released     

Fr Jerry Novotny O.M.I. (Japan):

"Throughout the world we are witnessing the Culture of Death penetrating all areas of human life, in particular it's relentless war on unborn babies. Who is more threatened at the very beginning of life by outside forces than the newly-conceived human embryos? The IVF Industry (only 1 out of 23 survive, the rest discarded, frozen, or experimented on), Pharmaceutical Industry (a line of contraceptive drugs and devices whose sole purpose is to prevent the embryo from implanting in the womb), Abortion Industry (to kill the human life which does implant itself in the womb), are all active players in this war. Now the final haven of protection for the unborn child is being attacked - THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE"  - read more

c.f. Fertility doctors warn women not to leave it too late to freeze eggs for IVF

Genesis 7-8

Noah's family and many animals went into the big boat, the "ark".

Then for about 40 days there was heavy rain which caused a great  flood.  The ark floated on the water.

The people and animals inside the ark were safe, but people and animals outside the ark died.

When the rain and flood stopped
Noah and his family and the animals went out of the ark.

God made a special agreement (covenant) with Noah to bless Noah and his family.

God told Noah that the rainbow would be a sign of their agreement.

Dear God, thank you for making the rainbow so beautiful

My recording of this reading

Psalm 128

O blessed are those who love the Lord and walk in his ways.

By the labor of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper:

your wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house; your children like shoots of the olive, around your table.

Indeed thus shall be blessed the people who love and honor the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life. May you see your children's children in a happy Jerusalem!

On Israel, peace!

Dear Lord, may all married people live to see their children's children

Recording

2 Timothy 4.6-8

As for me, my life of service to the Lord is nearly over. I have fought the good fight to the end. 

I have run the race to the finish. I have kept the faith

The Lord will soon give me the best of all prizes: eternal life in heaven.

He will give it not only to me, but to everyone who has loved him sincerely in this life

Jesus, help me keep running to the finish line

Recording

John 10.1-10

Jesus said to the religious leaders "I am the gate of the sheepfold. If anyone enters the sheepfold by some other means than the gate, that person is a thief

The person who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the flock. The sheep hear his voice as he calls each one by name and leads them out of the sheepfold

When he has brought them out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that people may have life, not just now but for ever"

Jesus, Good Shepherd, please help more and more people hear your voice and follow you

Recording

Why Burundi’s violent power struggle is a danger to Rwanda too

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

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 16th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Afghanistan

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

"Gay marriage" - Elephants in men's room

The New Translation

 Message of Cardinal Orlie Quevedo O.M.I. to media:

The long tortuous road to self-determination in Mindanao

Adhering to principles enshrined in the BBL will lead to a lasting peace in southern Philippines

Judaism's Sexual Revolution: Why Judaism Rejected Homosexuality

"When Judaism demanded that all sexual activity be channeled into marriage, it changed the world.

The Torah's prohibition of non-marital sex quite simply made the creation of Western civilization possible"  

Many parts of the world, including HK, celebrate the Feast of the Ascension this Sunday, May 17.  
Between Jesus' Ascension and Pentecost, Jesus' followers spent the days in prayer, preparing for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Let us also, over the next week, often pray each day:
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on us!  Fall afresh on the Church!
Fall afresh on our world!  

Genesis 5-6

Among Adam and Eve's descendants  were Seth, Enosh, Kenan and Enoch. Enoch was a special friend of God. Enoch walked with God.

Another good man who walked with God was Noah. In Noah's time, most people had forgotten God.  Most people did bad things.
So God decided to cleanse the earth by a great flood.

To save Noah and his family from the flood, God got Noah to build a huge boat for his family and for two animals of every kind.

Even though most people forgot God, Noah believed in God and trusted God.

Dear God, please help me to remember you, to walk with you

My recording of this reading

Psalm 127

If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor.

If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.

Success comes not from earlier rising or from going later to rest,
but from the Lord's blessing.

Success is from the Lord who blesses the womb of  his beloved while she sleeps.

Truly, children are a gift from the Lord, a blessing, the fruit of the womb.

Lord, many people these days don't want children. Please help such people understand that children are a blessing

Recording

2 Timothy 4.1-5

In the presence of God our Father and of Christ Jesus, I give you this command: proclaim the Good News and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it

Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience - but do this with patience

Be prepared to face people who jettison sound teaching in favor of the latest novelty. Instead of listing to the truth, they will turn to myths

Make the spreading of the Good News your life's work

Jesus, please protect me from junk ideas and misleading  teachers

Recording

Words in brown my motto for the past 42 years - click to enlarge:

John 9.1-33

Once when Jesus was walking along the road, he saw a man who had been blind from birth

Jesus spat on the ground and made some mud with the spittle. He put the mud on the man's eyes, and said "Go and wash in the Siloam Pool"

The blind man went and washed, and came away able to see

When the blind man heard people criticize Jesus, he said "Ever since the world began, it has never been recorded that someone opened the eyes of a man born blind. This man must be from God"

Jesus, please heal my blind friend ....(name)

Recording

Click to enlarge

Homeless Jesus sculpture unveiled at Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral

(Memo to the guys in fancy dress:  now hit the street and do more to help the poor!)

General at centre of coup

Everything we fought for was a lie, says ex-soldier protesting in Burundi

10 years ago today

2005-05-15,16 Visit to Zhaoqing poor areas & CAS by HK World Youth Day group + welcome Dara to CAS

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

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 15th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Zimbabwe

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

"Gay marriage" - Elephants in men's room

The New Translation

Labour’s rebirth requires a grassroots revolution, not more diktats and spin
A successful progressive movement must now be Citizens Advice bureau, housing association, scout troop, trade union, credit union, bingo hall, food bank, careworker, football club and evangelical church, rolled into one. Focus groups and spin doctors no longer deliver - this is the lesson from Latin America

An inspiring story of healing from Sealed Orders by Agnes Sanford
(click to enlarge images)

(Today the Feast of St Matthias)

Acts 1.15-26
 
During these days, Peter spoke to a group of about 120 disciples:
"As you know, Judas hanged himself after betraying Jesus. We must now choose someone to take Judas' place, someone who has been with us since the time when John was baptizing"

Two men were nominated, Joseph and Matthias. After prayer was offered, Matthias was chosen. He was listed as one of the 12 apostles

Jesus, please protect your church from betrayal and disloyalty

My recording of this reading

Psalm 126

When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs.

What marvels the Lord worked for us. Indeed we were glad.

Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.

They go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing. They come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.

Dear God, please bless all people who are sorrowful as they work

Recording

2 Timothy 3.12-16

Anyone who tries to live a sincere Christian life will be persecuted

Stay faithful to what you have been taught and know to be true.
Remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the Scriptures

From the Scriptures you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus

All Scripture is inspired by God and can be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people's lives and teaching them to be holy

Jesus, please give all Christians, especially pastors, a passion for the Scriptures

Recording

John 8. 42, 46, 56-58

Jesus said to the people "If God were your father, you would love me, since I have come from God and I speak the truth. You avoid the truth, because your father is the father of lies, the Devil

Abraham rejoiced at the thought of my coming. He saw it in the future and was glad"

The people said "You are not yet 50 years old. How could you have seen Abraham?" Jesus replied "I tell you, before Abraham ever was, I Am"

The people then picked up stones to throw at Jesus for claiming to be God. But Jesus safely left the Temple

Jesus, you who existed as God the Son from all eternity, please increase my love for the truth, and help me avoid lies

Recording

Pope says environmental sinners will answer to God

   Australia a big challenge - New Apostolic Nuncio from Philippines

Human rights lawyers attacked outside Hunan court

10 years ago today

2005-05-14 Visit to Ricci Centre by group from Notre Dame Parish in Hong Kong

2005-05-13 Visit to Ricci Centre and CAS by HK Holy Family Canossian College students and
staff

He didn't go off in a huff when he wasn't chosen as one of the 12 apostles ...he faithfully kept following Jesus....and then he was selected to replace Judas.....how happy he must have been the day he put on the Number 12 jumper!

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 14th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Jilin

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 14th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Ethiopia

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

"Gay marriage" - Elephants in men's room

The New Translation

Barely a day passes without some Catholic website publishing an article supporting "gay marriage". Anyone who disagrees is ridiculed, and branded as homophobic. But the cold, hard, medical facts of the dangers of a homosexual life-style won't go away. Which is why my file Elephants in men's room, from today, will be linked, at left

Genesis 4

Two of Adam and Eve's sons were Cain and Abel. Cain was a farmer.  Abel was a shepherd. 

Cain was jealous of his brother Abel.

God said to Cain: "Get control of yourself." But Cain let his anger take over, and he killed Abel.

God asked Cain, "Where is Abel?"
Cain answered, "How should I know? I'm not his security guard."

God replied, "I can hear your brother's blood crying out to me from the ground.  That same ground will no longer give you any crops."

Dear God, please help me not to get angry with other people

Psalm 125

Those who put their trust in the Lord, are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken.

Jerusalem, the mountains surround her, so the Lord surrounds his people, now and forever.

Lord,  please help us be more aware of your protecting presence

Recording

2 Timothy 3.2-5

For sure, some people will be self-centered and greedy; disobedient and ungrateful to parents; heartless, difficult to get along with; slanderers, profligates and enemies of everything that is good

They will keep up the outward appearance of religion, but will have rejected its inner power 

Have nothing to do with people like that

Jesus, may my faith be real, not just something external

Recording

John 8: 12, 31, 32

Jesus said to the people "I am the light of the world. Those who follow me will not walk in the dark. They will have the light of life

If you take my words to heart, you will be my disciples. You will learn the truth, and the truth will set you free"

Jesus,  give light to my life. Increase my love for your teaching.  Help me learn more about truth

Recording

Chris McDonnell (Wed UK blogger) 

Be merciful like the Father
To lose the stability of a relationship, often entered into at an immature age, and later to find solace with another, is a painful experience. That loneliness is only enhanced when sacramental exclusion is subsequently imposed on individuals  

John Allen

Francis has the chance to help Catholicism in Cuba
Cuban Catholics hope the pope can do something to rekindle the faith on the island nation, because the truth is, it’s not in good shape.

Catholic church warms to liberation theology as founder heads to Vatican
The church has not formally embraced the progressive movement, but Gustavo Gutiérrez’s upcoming visit another sign of rehabilitation under Pope Francis

On this day in 1917:

A Texan farmer goes to Australia for a vacation. There he meets an Aussie farmer and gets talking. The Aussie shows off his big wheat field and the Texan says, "Oh! We have wheat fields that are at least twice as large." Then they walk around the ranch a little, and the Aussie shows off his herd of cattle. The Texan immediately says, "We have longhorns that are at least twice as large as your cows." The conversation has, meanwhile, almost died when the Texan sees a herd of kangaroos hopping through the field. He asks, "And what are those?" The Aussie, fed up with the Texan's bragging replies with an incredulous look, "What, don't you have any grasshoppers in Texas?"

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 13th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Jiangxi

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 13th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Mali

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

New letter (in English) from a Tanzanian inmate in a HK prison

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

 The importance of civility: what we can learn from Japan

When writer Rob Walker lived in Japan for two years, he was struck by the city of Himeji's seemingly boundless reserves of good manners and courtesy. Virtues like humility and civility, he argues, are rooted in Japan’s history and language, providing an example for the rest of the world.

Islamic State - Why Beheadings?

Genesis 3

A creature hostile to God took the form of a snake, and tempted the first man and first woman.

The snake tempted them to disobey God.

When God asked them why they disobeyed him, the man blamed the woman, and the woman blamed the snake.

God said to the snake: "You are the enemy of the human race.
Someday a member of the human race will defeat you."

God said to the man and woman:
"From dust you came, and to dust you will return."

The first man's name was Adam (meaning "man"). The first woman's name was Eve (meaning "life").

Dear God, please help me understand how evil in the world
started when Adam and Eve disobeyed you

Psalm 124

"If the Lord had not been on our side", this is Israel's song.

If the Lord had not been on our side when people rose against us, then would they have swallowed us alive, when they were angry with us.

Blessed be the Lord who did not let us become a prey for their teeth.

Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the hunter.

Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. 

Thank you, Lord, for all the times you have rescued me from trouble

Recording

2 Timothy 2.14-25

Remind everyone to avoid useless debates and discussions. These  cause scandal and loss of faith

Be available for the Master to use you for any good work

Focus on goodness, faith, love and peace.

Avoid futile speculations which only lead to quarrels

A servant of the Lord is not to engage in quarrels, but should be kind to everyone, a good teacher, and patient

Be gentle with anyone you have to correct

Jesus, please help me avoid useless discussions and arguments

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 8.1-11

While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, the religious leaders brought to him a women who had been caught committing adultery

The leaders said to Jesus "According to the Law of Moses, this woman should be stoned to death. What do you say?" They said this to test him, looking for something to use against him

Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. Since they kept up their questioning, he looked up and said to them "If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to cast a stone". Then he kept writing on the ground

The leaders went away, beginning with the eldest, until Jesus was left alone with the woman. Jesus said to her "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?

"No one, sir", she replied. "Neither do I condemn you", said Jesus. "Go and don't sin any more"

Jesus, what did you write on the ground? The leaders' sins?
 "If you, O Lord, should write a record of our sins, who could claim innocence?" (Psalm 130)

Recording

 Tesla's low-cost renewable battery could revolutionise Africa's energy supply

(Please God the Catholic Church in HK will someday have such a centre. Our "non-Catholic" brethren put us to shame in their care for drug addicts)
Security chief visits Sai Kung  
Secretary for Security TK Lai visits Sai Kung to inspect drug treatment and rehabilitation services in the district, and anti-drug and anti-crime efforts there

Yesterday in a detention centre, as I gave out copies of the new booklet "No Next Time", one inmate noticed the Mark Six images on the cover and asked what was the supplementary number. I pointed to the Cross on the cover ...he understood....in Chinese "cross"  is "10-figure". 

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 12th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Jiangsu

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 12th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guinea-Bissau

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)

Pope Francis:
Thank you Holy Spirit

Inspiring photos:

Link
Link		Links 01  02	Link
Link	Link		Link
Link	Link		Link
Link	Link		Link

Newness, harmony, mission

Engagements of Pope Francis

Zenit.org - reports from Rome

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

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Inigo Joachim
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 TASMAD
David Timbs 
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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

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The unjust treatment
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Hans Küng:  Letter to bishops  

Revolution to stop authoritarianism 

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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

----------------------------

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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www.doctorjesus.org

www.riccicenter.com 

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www.china8.org 

  www.jesustower.com 

www.oneminuteenglish.com 

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