Tuesday July 21  

  Monday July 20   

"Same-sex marriage" file

Islam File    The New Translation

28. Fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Sources of fresh water are necessary for health care, agriculture and industry.

Water supplies used to be relatively constant, but now in many places demand exceeds the sustainable supply, with dramatic consequences in the short and long term. Large cities dependent on significant supplies of water have experienced periods of shortage, and at critical moments these have not always been administered with sufficient oversight and impartiality.

Water poverty especially affects Africa where large sectors of the population have no access to safe drinking water, or experience droughts which impede agricultural production. Some countries have areas rich in water while others endure drastic scarcity

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

Falling in Love Again  (George Monbiot)
Rebuilding our relationship with the natural world can re-animate our own lives, as well as the ecosystem.

If you Google "Catholic adoption agencies in England forced to close" there are many articles about agencies being forced either to close or change their principles re adoption by gay couples. I did this search while checking some of the links/facts in this article:
Permission becomes Compulsion
--------------

Homosexual-Ruling Elites Complex
- 1 in 9 gay men in Australia have HIV 
- 64% of gay men in Australia have HPV, and are 20% more likely to have anal cancer 

c.f. footnote 3 in this article by 150 doctors, and footnote 4 which says that the Toronto School Board has forbidden parents from withdrawing their children from pro-homosexual education

c.f. Readings for "Sunday 16"

Jeremiah 21-23

Jerusalem was under siege by the Chaldaeans. The Lord told Jeremiah to tell the leaders of Jerusalem to surrender.

But the leaders of Jerusalem did not obey Jeremiah's words. So the Lord got Jeremiah to say these words:

"Woe to the shepherds who allow my sheep to be scattered and killed. You have not taken care of my sheep.

Therefore I will raise up a leader who will be wise and just. He will be a good shepherd of my people."

Lord, please help our leaders to be good shepherds

My recording of this reading

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.

He guides me along the right path. He is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort.

You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil. My cup is overflowing.

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

Thank you, Lord, for being my good shepherd

Recording

Ephesians 2.11-14

You non-Jews  were once without hope and without God

But now by the blood of Christ,
you who had nothing in common with us Jews, have been united with us into one family

Christ is the peace between us. He has broken down the barrier which used to keep us apart

Jesus,  break down barriers of misunderstanding which divide the peoples of the world

Recording

Mark 6.30-34

The apostles rejoined Jesus and told him all they had done and taught. Then he said to them, ‘You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’; for there were so many coming and going, that the apostles had no time even to eat. 

So they went off in a boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But people saw them going, and many could guess where; and from every town they all hurried to the place on foot, and reached it before them.

So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to teach them at some length.

Jesus, give me a spirit of pity for people in need

Recording

 Police warned about conditions of HK police detention cells

(Video report in Cantonese)

58. A financial reform open to such ethical considerations would require a vigorous change of approach on the part of political leaders. I urge them to face this challenge with determination and an eye to the future, while not ignoring, of course, the specifics of each case. Money must serve, not rule! 

The Pope loves everyone, rich and poor alike, but he is obliged in the name of Christ to remind all that the rich must help, respect and promote the poor. I exhort you to generous solidarity and to the return of economics and finance to an ethical approach which favours human beings.

OMI former Superior General who spent many years working in Paraguay, Bishop Wilhelm Steckling, cleaning up the mess of Opus Dei bishop fired by Pope:
Paraguayan bishop ousted by Pope scrutinized for spending 

First time I've heard this - in Wikipedia:
Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technician and nightclub bouncer (!) before beginning seminary studies

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

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 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)

"Same-sex marriage" file

Islam File    The New Translation

27. Other indicators of the present situation have to do with the depletion of natural resources. 

We all know that it is not possible to sustain the present level of consumption in developed countries and wealthier sectors of society, where the habit of wasting and discarding has reached unprecedented levels. 

The exploitation of the planet has already exceeded acceptable limits and we still have not solved the problem of poverty.

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

Encyclical inspires Catholic investors to press for change
(Wall Street Journal)

Last Wednesday at HK's Catholic Centre Bookstore, I was able to obtain several advance copies of the English edition of Laudato Si.
Yesterday I took one copy to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, hoping to find someone who would really appreciate it.

No problem. At the centre's hospital section I met a recently-arrived inmate  from Argentina (a very "small fish" ... drugs not involved) - speaks perfect English. When he was a secondary student in Buenos Aires, he received the Sacrament of Confirmation from ..... Cardinal Bergoglio!

Exodus 17 (b)

In another place the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites. Moses prayed while Joshua led the people in battle.

As long as Moses kept his arms raised up in prayer, the Israelites were winning.

But when Moses let his arms down, the Amalekites started winning.

So Aaron and Hur got Moses to sit on a rock, and they supported his hands until sunset.

Joshua and the people then won the battle.

Dear God, please help us understand the power of prayer

My recording of this reading

Psalm 46

God is for us a refuge and strength, in time of distress he is a helper close at hand.

Therefore we shall not fear even though the earth should rock, even though the mountains fall into the sea.

The Lord of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come and consider the works of the Lord, and always remember his words:

"Be still and know that I am God".

Lord, help us to be more aware of your presence, especially when we are in trouble

Recording

Songs based on this Psalm (YouTube):

A Mighty Fortress is our God

Be Still and Know that I am God

1 John 2.3-6

We can be sure we know God
only by keeping his commandments

Anyone who says "I know him"
and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, refusing to admit the truth

We can be sure we are in God only if we are living the same kind of life as Christ lived

Jesus, please help me live like you, live for you

Recording

Matthew 15.21-28

Jesus went to the coastal district near Tyre and Sidon. A foreign woman followed him and shouted
"Sir, Son of David, have pity on me. My daughter is tormented by an evil spirit."

At first Jesus did not answer her, so his disciples said to him "Help her, because she keeps shouting after us."

Jesus replied "I was sent only to the people of Israel". The foreign woman by now was kneeling at Jesus' feet. "Lord, help me" she pleaded.

Jesus said to her "Woman, you have great faith. Your wish is granted".  At that very moment, her daughter was healed.

Jesus, please give sick people great faith in you

Recording

Jewish peer helped by Christians to flee Nazis, funds operation to rescue Syrian and Iraqi Christians

57. Behind this attitude lurks a rejection of ethics and a rejection of God. 

Ethics has come to be viewed with a certain scornful derision. It is seen as counterproductive, too human, because it makes money and power relative. It is felt to be a threat, since it condemns the manipulation and debasement of the person. In effect, ethics leads to a God who calls for a committed response which is outside the categories of the marketplace. 

When these latter are absolutized, God can only be seen as uncontrollable, unmanageable, even dangerous, since he calls human beings to their full realization and to freedom from all forms of enslavement. 

Ethics – a non-ideological ethics – would make it possible to bring about balance and a more humane social order. 

With this in mind, I encourage financial experts and political leaders to ponder the words of one of the sages of antiquity: “Not to share one’s wealth with the poor, is to steal from them and to take away their livelihood. It is not our own goods which we hold, but theirs”.

10 years ago
 on this day

2005-07-18 Visit to Ricci Centre by volunteers from St Jude's Parish, North Point, Hong Kong - check especially this great photo of baby looking up at visitors!

It's a beautiful day and three men go golfing.
The first guy, Moses, steps up to the tee and hits the ball which lands smack in the middle of the lake.
Moses goes over to the lake, touches his gold club to the water, the waters part, and he walks up to it and hits it out.
The ball lands 10 feet away from the hole. Satisfied, he steps back and lets the next man, Jesus, go.
He also goes up to the tee, hits the ball, and watches as it lands on a lily pad in near the center of the lake.
Jesus then goes to the lake, walks across the surface of the water, hits the ball out, and it lands 2 feet from the hole.
Happy, he walks over to stand with Moses.
Next the last person steps up, hits the ball, and watches as it heads right for the lake as well.
However, before it hits the surface somehow a frog manages to swallow it, followed by a large bird swooping down and grabbing the frog in it's beak, flying away with it. Terrified, the frog spits out the ball as they pass over the roof of a nearby house, the ball goes into the rain gutter then trails back out into the field, headed straight for the hole.
He gets a hole in one!
Moses then turns to Jesus and says:
"Do you always have to bring your Dad golfing with us?"

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

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 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)

  Friday July 17      Happy Eid ! (now that Ramadan is over, I can have an ice cream again!)    

Islam File 

     The New Translation

26 (b): Worldwide there is minimal access to clean and renewable energy. There is still a need to develop adequate storage technologies. Some countries have made considerable progress, although it is far from constituting a significant proportion.

Investments have also been made in means of production and transportation which consume less energy and require fewer raw materials, as well as in methods of construction and renovating buildings which improve their energy efficiency. But these good practices are still far from widespread
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By putting one article, or part of an article, with a recording, on each day's menu, I'm committing myself to reading Laudato Si. It's such a rich document that one article a day is a good idea. During the day I try to remember the four daily Scripture readings I've used in the morning (below) ....and maybe I can also try to remember the daily readings from Laudato Si and The Joy of the Gospel (below). 

I hope readers can join me in this commitment to reading something each day from the Pope's letters ....as a way of better understanding his ideas ....and as a way of trying to put his teaching into practice

Exodus 17(a)

In one place where there was no water, the people grumbled against Moses: "Give us water to drink or else we will die."

Moses asked God for help, and God told Moses to strike a large rock with his staff.

When Moses did this, water flowed from the rock.

Dear God, so many people in the world don't have clean water. Please move governments to help them

My recording of this reading

Psalms 42-45

Like a deer that longs for running streams, so my soul is longing for you, my God.

My soul is thirsting for you, the God of my life. I think of you all the time, here in my land of exile.

People make fun of us here in exile. They  taunt us saying "Where is your God?"

Yet no matter what happens we will hope in you, for you are our saviour and our God.

No matter where we are or what happens to us, our hearts will long for  you, like a bride longing for her groom.

Lord, no matter what happens, may I always hope in you

Recording

1 John 1.5-9

God is light. There is no darkness in him. If we say we are in union with God, while we are living in darkness, we are lying, because we are not living the truth

If we say we have no sin in us, we are deceiving ourselves and refusing to admit the truth

But if we acknowledge our sins,
God will forgive us and purify us from everything that is wrong

Jesus, forgive my sins. Please help me avoid sin

Recording

Matthew 15.1-20

Some religious leaders asked Jesus "Why do your disciples ignore many external practices of our religion?"

Jesus answered, with the words of the prophet Isaiah: "This people honors me with external lip-service, while their hearts are far from me."

Jesus also said "It's not certain foods or lack of washing  that makes a person unclean.
It's evil in the  heart that makes a person unclean.

Evil intentions like murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander. These are the things that make a person unclean."

Jesus, please  clean my heart

Recording

Disappointment follows ruling against Little Sisters
“It is a national embarrassment that the world’s most powerful government insists that, instead of providing contraceptives through its own existing exchanges and programs, it must crush the Little Sisters’ faith and force them to participate.”

Beijing, lead in water 20 times higher than health safety levels

HK students march against political interference in local universities
Over 70 members have been appointed to various institutions since Leung Chun-ying took office, with almost 30 percent of those individuals being current or former members of China’s political consultative committee or its legislature.

Enrollment deadlines force HK refugee parents to struggle

56. While the earnings of a minority are growing exponentially, so too is the gap separating the majority from the prosperity enjoyed by those happy few. 

This imbalance is the result of ideologies which defend the absolute autonomy of the marketplace and financial speculation. 

Consequently, they reject the right of states, charged with vigilance for the common good, to exercise any form of control. 

A new tyranny is thus born, invisible and often virtual, which unilaterally and relentlessly imposes its own laws and rules. 

Debt and the accumulation of interest also make it difficult for countries to realize the potential of their own economies and keep citizens from enjoying their real purchasing power. 

To all this we can add widespread corruption and self-serving tax evasion, which have taken on worldwide dimensions. The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits. 

In this system, which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits, whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenseless before the interests of a deified market, which becomes the only rule.

Do you believe in life after death?" the boss asked one of his employees. "Yes, Sir." the new recruit replied.

"Oh, well that's okay then!" said the boss. "Because after you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother's funeral, she stopped in to see you!"

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

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, 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)

  Thursday July 16 

How Pope helped Cuba-US deal:

In January 2014 he was asked to  help. "To tell you the truth, I spent three months praying about it, thinking what can I do with these two after 50 years like this." He decided to send a cardinal to speak to both leaders.    (in this report)

Islam File     The New Translation

26 (a): Many of those who possess more resources and economic or political power seem mostly to be concerned with masking the problems or concealing their symptoms, simply making efforts to reduce some of the negative impacts of climate change.

However, many of these symptoms indicate that such effects will continue to worsen if we continue with current models of production and consumption. 

There is an urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced, for example, substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy

Yesterday at a Hei Ling Chau drug treatment centre, someone asked me for the copy of Ben Keung's Duk Hoi I was using during a sharing. Book is now out of print and sold out ...and that was my very last copy....but I gave it away (with not a little misgiving).

Not long after I found myself in a room of the welfare section that I hadn't visited for more than a year .....and saw there about 12 copies of the book ....I'd left them there last year and they still hadn't been given out ....so ....kind staff let me take back 6 copies.  Gave away one, got back six .... Someone up there has a kind sense of humour

Exodus 16

As the Israelites traveled through the desert they began to complain about not having enough food.

So God rained down bread, manna, from heaven, in the form of a coating of dew which appeared on the ground each morning, as well as flocks of quails which came every evening.

For forty years the Israelites ate manna and quails, bread and birds.

Dear God, thank you for the food we have each day

My recording of this reading

Psalm 41

Blessed the person who helps the poor and the weak. 

He himself will be helped by the Lord when he is sick and in trouble.

The Lord will help him on his bed of pain.

The Lord will bring him back from sickness to health.

Lord, please help me to do more for the poor

Recording

1 John 1.1-2

Something which has existed since the beginning, that we heard, that we saw with our own eyes, that we touched with our hands: the Word, who is life - this is our subject.

That life was made visible.

We saw it, and we are giving our testimony, telling you of the eternal life which was with the Father and has been made visible to us

Jesus, Word-made-flesh, you are the Way, the Truth and the Life

Recording

Matthew 14.34-36

When Jesus got out of the boat on the other side of the lake, people recognized him and news of his presence spread quickly.

From all around that area, sick people were brought to him. The sick people just wanted to touch his clothing.

All those who touched his clothing were healed

Jesus, please heal my sick friends (..names..) by letting them, through prayer, touch your clothing

Recording

An Aussie’s memoir:  Watching the SAR grow

China set to try US missionary

55. One cause of this situation is found in our relationship with money, since we calmly accept its dominion over ourselves and our societies. 

The current financial crisis can make us overlook the fact that it originated in a profound human crisis: the denial of the primacy of the human person! 

We have created new idols. The worship of the ancient golden calf  has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose.

 The worldwide crisis affecting finance and the economy lays bare their imbalances and, above all, their lack of real concern for human beings; man is reduced to one of his needs alone: consumption.

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

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 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)

  Wednesday July 15 

HK’s South China Morning Post Softens China Arrests

Islam File     The New Translation

 25 (b): Changes in climate, to which animals and plants cannot adapt, lead them to migrate; this in turn affects the livelihood of the poor, who are then forced to leave their homes, with great uncertainty for their future and that of their children.

There has been a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation. They are not recognized by international conventions as refugees; they bear the loss of the lives they have left behind, without enjoying any legal protection whatsoever.

Sadly, there is widespread indifference to such suffering, which is even now taking place throughout our world. Our lack of response to these tragedies involving our brothers and sisters, points to the loss of that sense of responsibility for our fellow men and women upon which all civil society is founded.

Yesterday morning I visited the Castle Peak Immigration Centre (C.I.C.)....followed by a swim at the nearby Cafeteria Old Beach ...followed by an afternoon visit to Tai Lam Women's Correctional Centre.

At both detention centres I met a number of inmates from Africa and other places. I shared with them how the current first reading on this website describes God rescuing the Israelites from Egypt .... how "Egypt" is a figure of detention/big problems etc ...how Jesus is the New Moses in charge of rescue ...how we need to look to him for rescue from all "Egypt" situations

Exodus 15

The Israelites used this prayer to thank and praise God:

"The Lord has covered himself in glory, horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.

The Lord is my strength and my song, he is my salvation.

This is my God, I praise him.
The Lord is his name.

Lord, when you blew over the waters, they piled high on two sides.

Lord, only you are God,
there is no other. Lord, you are our king for ever."

Dear God, you are my strength and my salvation

Psalm 40

I waited, I waited for the Lord and he stooped down to me. He heard my cry.

He saved me from distress. He put fresh hope into my heart.

How many, O Lord my God, are the times you have helped me. They are too many for me to describe.

My God, in the depth of my heart I delight in your law. You do not want external offerings. You want my heart.

Lord, I offer you my heart, my love. You deserve all my love

Recording

Today's first reading:

2 Peter 1.20 - 3.18

We must be careful to understand Scripture according to God's mind.
We are not free to make up our own interpretations as we like

In the past there were false prophets. So there will always be false prophets and teachers who twist the truth to suit their own tastes and corrupt behavior. They will have much to answer for when the Day of the Lord comes

Our brother Paul has written to you about this issue. Sometimes his writing is not easy to understand, and is distorted by false teachers

Avoid false teaching. Stand firm in the truth. Go on growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory, in time and in eternity. Amen

Jesus,  protect me from people who distort the Bible message

Recording

Today's Gospel:

Matthew 14.22-33

After feeding the crowd with 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus told his disciples to go by boat across the nearby lake.

Jesus stayed to send the crowds away. Then he went up into the hills to pray.

When darkness came, the boat was far from land, but it was battling large waves caused by a strong head-wind.

Jesus then walked on the water towards the boat. He called out to his disciples "Courage. It is I. Don't be afraid."

Peter answered "Lord, if it is you, tell me to walk on the water to you." Jesus said "Come".

Peter then started walking on the water, but he became afraid and began to sink.

"Lord, save me" he called out.
Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to keep walking on the water.

"Man of little faith, why did you doubt?" asked Jesus. As they got into the boat, the wind stopped.

The men in the boat bowed to Jesus and said "You really are the Son of God".

Jesus, please help me not to lose faith in you

Recording

Chris McDonnell (Wed UK blogger) 

Ordination and Marriage; Exclusive options?
I cannot help feeling that we are nearing a tipping point. It is now that the laity need support the ordained and make clear that the matter is of some urgency and requires examination by a commission on behalf the Church in England and Wales

John Allen

New HK website

Hong Kong Free Press is "a new, progressive English language news source seeking to unite critical voices. Free and independent, HKFP arrives amid rising concerns over declining press freedom in Hong Kong"  

54. In this context, some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. 

This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system. Meanwhile, the excluded are still waiting.

To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed. Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people’s pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own.

The culture of prosperity deadens us; we are thrilled if the market offers us something new to purchase. On the other hand, lives stunted for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle; they fail to move us.

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

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, 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
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:

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, "same-sex marriage" juggernaut etc)

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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)

The Lord's Day (Pope John Paul II)

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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 this website each day

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 for June 2015

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