v2catholic

Listen to 184

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

184. In the face of possible risks to the environment which may affect the common good now and in the future, decisions must be made “based on a comparison of the risks and benefits foreseen for the various possible alternatives”.[131]

This is especially the case when a project may lead to a greater use of natural resources, higher levels of emission or discharge, an increase of refuse, or significant changes to the landscape, the habitats of protected species or public spaces.

Some projects, if insufficiently studied, can profoundly affect the quality of life of an area due to very different factors such as unforeseen noise pollution, the shrinking of visual horizons, the loss of cultural values, or the effects of nuclear energy use.

The culture of consumerism, which prioritizes short-term gain and private interest, can make it easy to rubber-stamp authorizations or to conceal information.

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Comments/reflections welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

2 Samuel 12

The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to David. Nathan said: "Why did you do what is displeasing to the Lord?"

David replied: "I have sinned against the Lord."

Nathan said: "The Lord forgives you, but because of your sin, the child will die."

After the child died, Bathsheba conceived another son by David, whom she named Solomon. The Lord specially blessed Solomon.

"Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence" (David's prayer in Psalm 51)

Psalm 84

How lovely is your sacred temple, Lord. My heart is longing to spend time in your holy dwelling.

Even sparrows and swallows are your temple guests. They build homes for their young near your altar.

Blessed are the people who live and work in your temple. And blessed, too, are people who keep the memory of your temple in their hearts.

As they go through the troubles of life, you give them strength to face the trials of each day.

Lord, one day within your temple
is better than a thousand anywhere else.

Dear God, thank you for special places of prayer

Romans 8.35-39

Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus, even if we are in big trouble of any kind

By the power of Jesus who loves us, we can get through any trouble

Jesus, when I am in trouble, help me remember your love

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

Luke 10.17-24

The 72 came back rejoicing. "Lord", they said, "even the devils submit to us when we use your name"

Jesus replied "Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot the whole strength of the enemy

Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you. Rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven

Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it"

Jesus, thank you for the gift of faith

Richest 62 billionaires as wealthy as half world population combined

The Age report - with diagrams

1% of people own more wealth than the other 99% combined

Recording of 205

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Full text

205 (b): I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!

It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare.

Why not turn to God and ask him to inspire their plans? I am firmly convinced that openness to the transcendent can bring about a new political and economic mindset which would help to break down the wall of separation between the economy and the common good of society.

10 years ago today

2006-01-19 Activity at Xavier Center (Area L) + new signs for Xavier & Assisi Centers

One day last week in Nairobi, while waiting to meet two more families of inmates in HK prisons, I went for a haircut ...found a simple place, nothing fancy. Man said to me "just a trim". I replied "yes please, just a trim". He said "Don't cut too much". I answered "That's right. Not too much. In fact, not much to cut". During the haircut, as I rested with my eyes closed, news on barber shop TV had report about an Al-Shabaab attack on a Kenyan garrison in Somalia. When I opened my eyes, I saw that I too had been attacked: almost bald! Al Shabarber!

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 Mali

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)

Monday January 18

Yesterday morning I joined Fr Fidelis O.M.I. for his regular Mass at Langata Women's Prison which, as these images show, is not such a bad place! I now realise that while Kenya's men's prisons are seriously over-crowded, the women's prisons are not at all over-crowded. Langata is on the side of a hill, overlooking Nairobi City, with grass and gardens and fresh air ..... very different from the concrete jungle that is Lo Wu Prison in HK.
After Mass in the "sentenced" section of the prison, we briefly visited the remand section, where I was able to have a chat with some 20 inmates from China and Taiwan!

Then it was to Karen shopping centre for a final gathering (about 6 hours long!) for many of the Nairobi families I'd already met ....to set up a support group, to plan a day in town on Wednesday for presenting a petition about prisoner transfer from HK, and to publicize the danger of drug trafficking to HK. I lost count of how many people attended, but the man who helped buy ice creams for those who wanted them bought 50 something ice creams!

This afternoon I'm due to fly from Nairobi to Mombasa (see middle map, above). Due to return to Nairobi tomorrow night please God. Hoping to have gathering tomorrow morning with families of inmates in HK prisons ...and to do some publicity about the danger of drug trafficking to HK (...not a few drug mules have come from Mombasa region)

Shock figures to reveal deadly toll of global air pollution The dark cloud of filth poisoning the world’s cities

Listen to 67

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

183. Environmental impact assessment should not come after the drawing up of a business proposition or the proposal of a particular policy, plan or program. It should be part of the process from the beginning, and be carried out in a way which is interdisciplinary, transparent and free of all economic or political pressure. It should be linked to a study of working conditions and possible effects on people’s physical and mental health, on the local economy and on public safety.

Economic returns can thus be forecast more realistically, taking into account potential scenarios and the eventual need for further investment to correct possible undesired effects. A consensus should always be reached between the different stakeholders, who can offer a variety of approaches, solutions and alternatives. The local population should have a special place at the table; they are concerned about their own future and that of their children, and can consider goals transcending immediate economic interest.

We need to stop thinking in terms of “interventions” to save the environment in favour of policies developed and debated by all interested parties. The participation of the latter also entails being fully informed about such projects and their different risks and possibilities; this includes not just preliminary decisions but also various follow-up activities and continued monitoring. Honesty and truth are needed in scientific and political discussions; these should not be limited to the issue of whether or not a particular project is permitted by law.

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Readings are from Simple Bible (which has Chinese translation available)

2 Samuel 10-11

The Ammonites went to war with the Israelites, but David led the Israelites to victory.

During a further war with the Ammonites, David stayed in Jerusalem and did not go to the battle.

While in Jerusalem, he made love to Bathsheba the wife of Uriah
who conceived and sent word to David, "I am with child."

David recalled Uriah to Jerusalem
and tried to get him to sleep with his wife.

But Uriah loyally observed the custom of the time and refrained from marital relations since he was a soldier at war.

David then arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle by having him stationed in a defenceless position.

After a time of mourning for Uriah, Bathsheba became David's wife and bore him a son.

The Lord was displeased with David.

Dear God, help us not to displease you
My recording of this reading

Psalms 82-83

God says to corrupt officials:

"How long will you judge unjustly and mistreat the poor? You should do justice for the weak and the orphan.

You should defend the afflicted and the needy. You should rescue the weak and the poor. You should set them free from the hand of the wicked".

O God, please protect your people from corruption and injustice. Save us also from attack by other nations.

Let everyone know that you are the Lord of all the earth.

Lord, help us realize the shortness of our life, that we may live our lives more wisely

Romans 8.26-29

When we are not sure of what to say in prayer, we ask the Spirit to pray in us

We know that by turning everything to their good, God blesses everyone who loves him

God the Father wants us to become living images of his Son, so that his Son will be the eldest of many brothers and sisters

Jesus, brother Jesus, please help me to be more like you

Luke 10.1-9

Jesus appointed 72 disciples to go ahead of him in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit

He said to them "The harvest is rich, but the laborers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers to his harvest

When you go into a town, cure those in it who are sick, and say: 'The kingdom of God is very near to you' "

Jesus, please inspire more people to make the spreading of the Good News their life's work

Africans dominate the Hong Kong Marathon

Darlene Starrs (Blogger from Canada)

Today's gospel returns us to the subject of "New Wine and Old Wineskins". In the context of the Gospel.....Jesus was the New Wine and the Old Wineskin was Judaism. Jesus teaches that New Wine cannot be put into Old Wineskins...as the skins will burst and the new wine would be lost. Judaism could not possibly embrace this New Wine....being Jesus Christ....So? So, Judaism gives rise to Christianity and the People of the Way.

However, what was a New Wineskin 2000 years ago is now very old, so old, I have to wonder and ponder, whether we require a new wineskin. The old wineskin I am referring to is the "Institutional RC Church." I admit, I do not know what a new wineskin for the Church would look like. Do you?

Pope makes his first papal visit to Rome synagogue

Recording of 205

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Full text

205 (a): I ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots – and not simply the appearances – of the evils in our world!

Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good.

We need to be convinced that charity “is the principle not only of micro-relationships (with friends, with family members or within small groups) but also of macro-relationships (social, economic and political ones)”

10 years ago today

Visit to all 6 centres in one morning by OMI's Irek and Thomas

Among the reporters who attended yesterday's final gathering for Nairobi families of inmates in HK prisons were two guys whose very informal clothing made me mistake them as belonging to a group of beggars (to whom I have given meals, and yesterday again gave a meal after the function) ...so I asked them, not very politely (since others had tried to gate crash the party) to leave the restaurant where our function was being held. Had to offer very sincere apologies! And while the two men had a nice meal I ate humble pie.

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)

Sunday January 17 Attempting to increase profits by reducing the work force is p _ i s _ n - see 204, below

Today's Gospel story - see below

Listen to 182

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

182. An assessment of the environmental impact of business ventures and projects, demands transparent political processes involving a free exchange of views.

On the other hand, the forms of corruption which conceal the actual environmental impact of a given project, in exchange for favours, usually produce specious agreements which fail to inform adequately and to allow for full debate.

(Let's keep making the effort to read one article of Laudato Si each day!)

Yesterday I stayed home the whole day to rest up and catch up

.... catch up on many jobs ... rest up for a busy last week in Kenya:

tomorrow a meal gathering, with media, for all (already seen) Nairobi families of HK inmates; Monday due to fly to Mombasa for similar gathering; Tuesday fly back to Nairobi; Wednesday go with families and media to see Chief Justice to present petition for prisoner transfer agreement with HK.

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Readings are from Simple Bible (which has Chinese translation available)

c.f. Readings for "Sunday 2"

Isaiah 62.1-5

About Zion I will not be silent, about Jerusalem I will not grow weary, until her integrity shines out like the dawn and her salvation flames like a torch.

The nations then will see your integrity, all the kings your glory, and you will be called by a new name, one which the mouth of the Lord will confer.

You are to be a crown of splendour in the hand of the Lord, a princely diadem in the hand of your God; no longer are you to be named ‘Forsaken’, nor your land ‘Abandoned’, but you shall be called ‘My Delight’ and your land ‘The Wedded’;

for the Lord takes delight in you, and your land will have its wedding. Like a young man marrying a virgin, so will the one who built you wed you, and as the bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so will your God rejoice in you.

Psalm 96

O sing a new song to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth. O sing to the Lord, bless his name.

Proclaim his help day by day.
Tell among the nations his glory,
and his wonders among all the peoples.

It was the Lord who made the heavens. Give the Lord, you families of peoples, give the Lord glory and honor.

Bring an offering and enter his temple. Worship the Lord in his sacred place.

Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad. Let the sea and all within it thunder praise.

Let the land and all it bears rejoice, all the trees of the forest shout for joy.

Everyone and everything, give the Lord glory and honor.

Lord, you are our Creator. We love and praise you
Recording

1 Corinthians 12.4-10

The Holy Spirit gives us many different gifts:

Some people have the gift of wise preaching. Some people have the gift of an extra strong faith. Some people have the gift of healing sick people. Some people have other gifts like the power of miracles, prophecy, recognizing spirits, and the ability to speak in tongues

Holy Spirit, please increase your influence in my life. Please give me the gift of (..name...)

Human trafficking in Hong Kong - hidden in plain sight

Daniel Daring:

Manifesting His Glory

Mary teaches us a reverence for God. Tell God about your needs but do not tell Him how He should meet them.

Chinese text

John 2.1-11

Jesus, his mother and his disciples were guests at a wedding at Cana in Galilee

The wine ran out, so Jesus' mother said to him "They have no wine".

Jesus replied "Woman, my time for doing special things has not yet come". His mother said to the servants "Do whatever he tells you"

There were 6 big containers there, used for holding water. Each could hold about 35 liters. Jesus said to the servants "Fill the containers with water" and they filled them up

Jesus then said "take some out and give it to the man in charge of the banquet". When the man tasted the water, it had turned to wine

The man called the bridegroom and said "You have kept the best wine until now"

This was the first public miracle done by Jesus

Jesus, help me to do whatever you tell me to do
Recording

How HK’s soaring real estate prices give rise to a public housing crisis
Hong Kong’s property prices increased by 340 per cent since 2003. Over the same time period, the real income of the city’s workforce barely went up at all. Faced with stagnating wages and a housing market that has tripled in value, many citizens can only dream about becoming homeowners.

Christian leaders attempt to fix global date for Easter

Pope makes surprise visit to homes for elderly and disabled

Recording of 204

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Full text

204. We can no longer trust in the unseen forces and the invisible hand of the market.

Growth in justice requires more than economic growth, while presupposing such growth: it requires decisions, programs, mechanisms and processes specifically geared to a better distribution of income, the creation of sources of employment and an integral promotion of the poor which goes beyond a simple welfare mentality.

I am far from proposing an irresponsible populism, but the economy can no longer turn to remedies that are a new poison, such as attempting to increase profits by reducing the work force and thereby adding to the ranks of the excluded

10 years ago
today

CAS neighbours Mr & Mrs Li in Duanzhou Hospital

Hour of Love HK radio program 9.05pm HK time each Sunday night
- with messages about African inmates in HK prisons (c. 9.25pm).
Messages from Kenyan and Ugandan inmates' families are on my server at a non-public location. Please email me for location: jdwomi@gmail.com

Yesterday, Mum and Dad's 70th Wedding Anniversary (celebrated in Heaven) I thought about them a lot.
Last night before the evening meal, I went as usual to the chapel of the Oblate house where I'm staying ....and attended a singing practice of the 11 seminarians here. What was the first song they sang? How Great Thou Art - Mum and Dad's favorite song!

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)

Saturday January 16

Yesterday after meeting with the family of one more inmate in a HK prison, I went by motorbike for a one-hour return trip to a seedy district of Nairobi where many drug mules in HK prisons are said to have been enlisted/tricked ....by Nigerian Drug Lords. Please God next week's publicity about the danger of drug trafficking to HK will cause a sharp fall in the business of the Drug Lords

Each day as I take a 10 minute walk from the O.M.I. Gerard Centre to the main road, to get a motor-bike (here called a "border border"), I pass this most beautiful tree

Listen to 181

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

181. Here, continuity is essential, because policies related to climate change and environmental protection cannot be altered with every change of government. Results take time and demand immediate outlays which may not produce tangible effects within any one government’s term.

That is why, in the absence of pressure from the public and from civic institutions, political authorities will always be reluctant to intervene, all the more when urgent needs must be met. To take up these responsibilities and the costs they entail, politicians will inevitably clash with the mindset of short-term gain and results which dominates present-day economics and politics.

But if they are courageous, they will attest to their God-given dignity and leave behind a testimony of selfless responsibility. A healthy politics is sorely needed, capable of reforming and coordinating institutions, promoting best practices and overcoming undue pressure and bureaucratic inertia.

It should be added, though, that even the best mechanisms can break down when there are no worthy goals and values, or a genuine and profound humanism to serve as the basis of a noble and generous society.

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Readings are from Simple Bible (which has Chinese translation available)

2 Samuel 8-9

Wherever David went, the Lord gave him success and victory.

David showed kindness to Saul's family. Meribbaal, son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul
was crippled in both feet.

David restored Saul's property to Meribbaal and arranged for Meribbaal to eat at the royal table each day.

Lord, help us show kindness to people who treat us badly

Psalm 81

Ring out your joy to God our strength, shout in triumph to the God of Jacob.

Listen to the voice of the Lord:

"I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt.

Let there be no foreign god among you, no worship of a false god.

O that my people would heed me,
that Israel would walk in my ways.

At once I would subdue their foes. But Israel I would feed with finest wheat and honey".

Lord, please help us to walk in your ways

Romans 8.9-13

You are on God's team. God the Father is the manager. Jesus is the captain. The Holy Spirit is the coach, a coach living in your heart

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead, is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will help you live a risen life

By the grace of the Holy Spirit you can stop doing bad things

Holy Spirit of Jesus, Holy Spirit of the Father, fall afresh on me!

Luke 9.51-58

When the time came for Jesus to finish his life on earth, he resolutely took the road to Jerusalem

As Jesus and his disciples traveled along, they met a man who said to him "I will follow you wherever you go".

Jesus replied "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but I have nowhere to lay my head"

Jesus, give me courage to do what I should do

HK authorities mull pre-boarding checks in asylum seekers’ home countries

Kevin Walters (UK)

The Hireling

Recording of 203

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Full text

203. The dignity of each human person and the pursuit of the common good are concerns which ought to shape all economic policies.

At times, however, they seem to be a mere addendum imported from without in order to fill out a political discourse lacking in perspectives or plans for true and integral development.

How many words prove irksome to this system! It is irksome when the question of ethics is raised, when global solidarity is invoked, when the distribution of goods is mentioned, when reference is made to protecting labour and defending the dignity of the powerless, when allusion is made to a God who demands a commitment to justice.

At other times these issues are exploited by a rhetoric which cheapens them. Casual indifference in the face of such questions empties our lives and our words of all meaning.

Business is a vocation, and a noble vocation, provided that those engaged in it see themselves challenged by a greater meaning in life; this will enable them truly to serve the common good by striving to increase the goods of this world and to make them more accessible to all.

Happy 70th Anniversary, in Heaven, dear Mum and Dad.
Mum, do you realise you never signed your wedding certificate?!

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)

Friday January 15 What is the root of social ills? - see 201, below

Yesterday I met with 4 families I'd already seen ...together with 2 media representatives ...to prepare reports (newspaper, radio and tv) about two issues: the need for Kenya to sign an agreement with Hong Kong for the transfer of prisoners - and the need to spread the message about the danger of drug trafficking to HK/China

Publicity in Tanzania over the past two years has virtually stopped the flow of drug mules from Tz to HK. May publicity here in Kenya and Uganda have the same effect

Listen to 180

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

180. There are no uniform recipes, because each country or region has its own problems and limitations. It is also true that political realism may call for transitional measures and technologies, so long as these are accompanied by the gradual framing and acceptance of binding commitments.

At the same time, on the national and local levels, much still needs to be done, such as promoting ways of conserving energy. These would include favouring forms of industrial production with maximum energy efficiency and diminished use of raw materials, removing from the market products which are less energy efficient or more polluting, improving transport systems, and encouraging the construction and repair of buildings aimed at reducing their energy consumption and levels of pollution.

Political activity on the local level could also be directed to modifying consumption, developing an economy of waste disposal and recycling, protecting certain species and planning a diversified agriculture and the rotation of crops. Agriculture in poorer regions can be improved through investment in rural infrastructures, a better organization of local or national markets, systems of irrigation, and the development of techniques of sustainable agriculture. New forms of cooperation and community organization can be encouraged in order to defend the interests of small producers and preserve local ecosystems from destruction. Truly, much can be done!

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Comments/reflections welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

2 Samuel 7

After David settled into his palace and the land enjoyed peace, David thought about building a temple for the Lord.

Then through the prophet Nathan the Lord told David:

" I will establish your dynasty for ever. But it will be your son, not yourself, who will build a temple for me."

David praised God:

"Who am I, Lord, and what is my House, that you have helped me so much and promised me so much?

May my House continue in your presence for ever. May you bless my House forever."

Dear God, please bless everyone in my family tree, past, present and future

Psalms 79-80

O God, the nations have invaded your sacred land, they have profaned your holy temple. They have made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.

We have become the taunt of our neighbours, the mockery and scorn of those who surround us.

How long, O Lord, will all this last? How long will this sorrow keep going?

Do not hold the guilt of our ancestors against us. If their guilt is somehow influencing our situation now, please give peace and healing to everyone and everything in our history.

Let the groans of the prisoners come before you. Let your strong arm reprieve those condemned to die.

O Lord, our God, help us and save us. Let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Lord, please heal any problems in my family tree

Romans 8.14-21

Everyone moved by the Spirit is a child of God. The Spirit lets us use children's language to speak to God tenderly as "Abba, Father"

Since we are God's children, we are also his heirs, coheirs with Jesus, sharing his suffering so as to share his glory

What we suffer in this life can never be compared with the glorious life we will have in heaven

The whole of creation looks forward to sharing the same glory, to sharing immortality

Abba, Father, may everyone love and honor you. Help everyone get to heaven

Luke 9.28-36

One day Jesus took his disciples Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray

On the mountain, while Jesus was praying, his whole appearance changed. His clothes became brilliant as lightning

The prophets Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus "Lord, how good it is for us to be here!"

Then a bright cloud covered them with its shadow. From the cloud came a voice: "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him"

When the voice had finished speaking, the disciples saw only Jesus in his normal appearance

Jesus, Beloved Son of God,
how good it is to spend time with you in prayer.

Pope Francis to join Google's Eric Schmidt in rare tech industry meeting

Beautiful YouTube song based on this Gospel: We Behold

The woman who was killed for telling the truth about Isis

CUF asks Pope to intervene in Zanzibar impasse

Mexican standoff

Our embarrassed silence about Cologne only adds to the harm

Recording of 202

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Full text

202. The need to resolve the structural causes of poverty cannot be delayed, not only for the pragmatic reason of its urgency for the good order of society, but also because society needs to be cured of a sickness which is weakening and frustrating it, and which can only lead to new crises.

Welfare projects, which meet certain urgent needs, should be considered merely temporary responses. As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution will be found for the world’s problems or, for that matter, to any problems.

Inequality is the root of social ills

In this space yesterday, I said I had stopped asking the identity of people who phone me.
Not true. My resolution didn't last long. Good manners got the better of me.
For something like 95% of the 20-something calls I received yesterday, I needed to say "Could you please tell me your name".
And as usual, I needed to repeat my request several times before getting a name.
And ...then ...half the time I couldn't understand what name was being said!

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 15h 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)

Thursday January 14 Closeness to the poor is not an option - 201, below

Yesterday I met with five more families of inmates in HK prisons. I've now met with 35 families ... a few more to go. Nearly all these families are struggling with school fees. Thanks to the kindness of HK friends, I've been able to give every family a little help, in some cases a lot of help. Yesterday one family caused my heart to give everything I had on me: a person whose spouse is dead, whose child is in a HK prison, and the person has HIV, Diabetes and ulcers. I got someone to help me check the person's medical reports .... showing how the person urgently needs an operation .... and needs to buy more HIV medicine. Jesus, please tsunami that dear person with your healing love!

Entebbe Airport, Jan 11:

Four very friendly young guys from China, working for Sinodydro on a hydropower project in Uganda - four of some 50,000 Chinese from the Mainland based in Uganda.

Listen to 179

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

179. In some places, cooperatives are being developed to exploit renewable sources of energy which ensure local self-sufficiency and even the sale of surplus energy. This simple example shows that, while the existing world order proves powerless to assume its responsibilities, local individuals and groups can make a real difference.

They are able to instil a greater sense of responsibility, a strong sense of community, a readiness to protect others, a spirit of creativity and a deep love for the land. They are also concerned about what they will eventually leave to their children and grandchildren. These values are deeply rooted in indigenous peoples.

Because the enforcement of laws is at times inadequate due to corruption, public pressure has to be exerted in order to bring about decisive political action. Society, through non-governmental organizations and intermediate groups, must put pressure on governments to develop more rigorous regulations, procedures and controls.

Unless citizens control political power – national, regional and municipal – it will not be possible to control damage to the environment. Local legislation can be more effective, too, if agreements exist between neighbouring communities to support the same environmental policies.

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Comments/reflections welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

2 Samuel 6

David and 30,000 men went to Baalah (Kiriath-jearim) to bring the Sacred Chest to Jerusalem.

David and the people danced before the Sacred Chest and sang loudly to the accompaniment of much music.

After the Sacred Chest entered Jerusalem, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord.

Dear God, please help us praise you with joy, as David did

Psalm 78 (a)

Listen, everyone, to my teaching.
I will recount the lessons of our history.

The things our parents have told us, we will not hide from our children, but will pass them on to the next generation.

We want the next generation to know all that the Lord has done for us in the past.

May the next generation in turn
pass on this knowledge to their own children, so that they too will put their hope in God and never forget all that God has done for us.

Lord, may each generation pass on the faith to the next generation

Psalm 78 (b)

May future generations not be like our ancestors who so often were unfaithful to God.

Even though our ancestors had seen God part the sea, even though they had seen him provide food and water for them in the desert, still they went on sinning.

Yet he who is full of compassion forgave and spared them. He remembered they were only weak humans.

Eventually he brought them to the promised land and gave a home to each of Israel's tribes.

But still they sinned by building mountain shrines and serving idols.

Then God raised up David to be their leader. God called him from looking after sheep to be the shepherd of his people.

Lord, help us not to forget all you have done for us

Luke 9.22-26

Jesus now began explaining to his disciples how he would suffer, die and rise from the dead.

He also said "If you want to be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your own cross, and follow me.

Selfishness will ruin your life.
Self-sacrificing will bless your life.

What use is it to have everything in this world yet miss out on Heaven?"

Jesus, please help me find my life by losing it in service of others

2006-01-14 Saturday night meal at Marco Polo Centre with migrant worker families

Mixed response to tougher stance on asylum claims
Like Refugee Union, I also support this move - see:

Kenya is run by mafia-style cartels, says chief justice

Fuller version of same story I have learnt a lot about this topic over the past few weeks!

Kenya needs a Magufuli! Why attempts to morph into Magufuli appear worrisome

Hong Kong bans import and export of ivory

Well done, HK!

Recording of 201

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Full text

201. No one must say that they cannot be close to the poor because their own lifestyle demands more attention to other areas. This is an excuse commonly heard in academic, business or professional, and even ecclesial circles.

While it is quite true that the essential vocation and mission of the lay faithful is to strive that earthly realities and all human activity may be transformed by the Gospel, none of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice:

“Spiritual conversion, the intensity of the love of God and neighbour, zeal for justice and peace, the Gospel meaning of the poor and of poverty, are required of everyone”.

I fear that these words too may give rise to commentary or discussion with no real practical effect. That being said, I trust in the openness and readiness of all Christians, and I ask you to seek, as a community, creative ways of accepting this renewed call.

10 years ago today

One thing I find frustrating in HK (where it is not all that common) and here in Africa (where it is very common) is receiving a phone call from someone who does not give their name. Lately I've given up asking "would you please say your name", "can you please say your name", "can you please tell me who you are?" Now I just go along with the conversation and wish people well. But when the phone conversation stops I shrug my shoulders and think "I wonder who that was?"

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)

Wednesday January 13

My daily means of transport from O.M.I. centre in Karen, Nairobi to nearby shopping centre where I've been meeting families of inmates in HK prisons. Seven years of such bike riding in China (2001-2008) was good training, I mean biking. This particular bike is a new one, made in China, cost about US$1,000 (and driver got c. US$500 for sale of old bike).

Listen to 178

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

178. A politics concerned with immediate results, supported by consumerist sectors of the population, is driven to produce short-term growth.

In response to electoral interests, governments are reluctant to upset the public with measures which could affect the level of consumption or create risks for foreign investment.

The myopia of power politics delays the inclusion of a far-sighted environmental agenda within the overall agenda of governments. Thus we forget that “time is greater than space”,[130] that we are always more effective when we generate processes rather than holding on to positions of power.

True statecraft is manifest when, in difficult times, we uphold high principles and think of the long-term common good. Political powers do not find it easy to assume this duty in the work of nation-building.

Yesterday, thanks to support of HK friends, I was able to help with the school fees of another group of children here in Kenya.

Today I'm due to meet with 6 more families .... with a replenished well thanks to HK friends.

Next Monday I'm due to fly to another place in Kenya for a bit of media publicity about the danger of drug trafficking to HK/Macau/China.

Such publicity this time last year in Tanzania was truly blessed. Drug mules have virtually stopped going to HK from Tanzania. Only one arrested at HK airport in the past 10 months
(c.f. 2013 when this website's campaign began: 1 or more arrested every week)

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Comments/reflections welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

2 Samuel 4-5

After Ishbaal, son of Saul, was murdered, David became king of Israel as well as king of Judah.

David was 30 years old when he became king. He reigned over Judah for 7 years. Then he reigned over all Israel and Judah for 33 years.

David continued to fight against the Philistines. God blessed David in all his campaigns.

Dear God, may all of Israel be blessed with peace

Psalms 73-77

Sometimes when I see how bad people prosper, I wonder what's the use in trying to be good?

But then I realize that everyone someday has to pay the bill for any evil they have bought in the world.

Sometimes when I see our world and religion in ruins, I wonder why has God abandoned us?

Then I remember that God has promised to break the power of the wicked. He has promised to give strength to good people.

So may all people honor the Lord our God and judge. May the Lord give us his loving help.

Lord, you are goodness itself. Please help us to be good
and to trust you always

Romans 7.14-25

Even though I'm on God's team, I don't always play as well as I should. At times I cannot understand my behavior. I fail to do good things, and I find myself doing bad things

It's as if there is a battle going on inside me. In my heart I dearly love God, but my will is weak, and I do things that I know are wrong

Who can help me keep going? Who can fix up things in my life?

Jesus can. He is the one who sorts out things in my life, and changes chaos into order, by the working of the Holy Spirit

Jesus, my life is in your hands. Please arrange my life the way you want to

Luke 9.18-21

One day Jesus asked his disciples
"Who do people say I am?"

The disciples replied "Some people say you are one of the famous prophets come back to life"

Jesus then asked them "And what about you. Who do you say I am?"

Peter answered "You are the Anointed One of God"

Jesus, please help more and more people know you and love you

Uganda's president epitomises Africa's perceived democratic deficit

Chris McDonnell (Wed UK blogger)

My courteous Lord

Courtesy is often found wanting in the many exchanges we make in the market place of our society, be it in politics, sport, the media or the general to and fro that arises when we attempt to live in community

Recording of 200

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Full text

200. Since this Exhortation is addressed to members of the Catholic Church, I want to say, with regret, that the worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care.

The great majority of the poor have a special openness to the faith; they need God and we must not fail to offer them his friendship, his blessing, his word, the celebration of the sacraments and a journey of growth and maturity in the faith.

Our preferential option for the poor must mainly translate into a privileged and preferential religious care.

There's an old saying that if what to learn about a place, ask a taxi driver. Well I've sure learnt a lot from taxi drivers in the past two weeks, about Kenya and about Uganda - on trips to and from Nairobi and Entebbe airports. If newspapers and other media published the comments of cab drivers, this world might be a better place!

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

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)

Tuesday January 12

Last night I returned to the O.M.I. residence in Karen, Nairobi, after 4 nights at Assisi Guest House near the Shrine of the Ugandan Martyrs in Namugongo, Kampala, Uganda. Like most parts of Africa, Uganda is trying hard to modernize. And it's being greatly helped by China.

Yesterday at Entebbe Airport near Kampala, I met three young men from Mainland China - engineers working on a dam project in Uganda. They told me there are around 50,000 workers from the Mainland in Uganda, building highways, dams and other projects.

After two hours on "old" roads in Kampala yesterday morning and two more hours on "old" roads in Nairobi yesterday afternoon, I can only say "God bless China for helping build new roads in Africa" (.... which is what Africans themselves often say!)

Coming from one of the most efficient and smooth-running places on the planet (Hong Kong) I am continually being forced in Africa to go at a slower pace, starting with an extended greeting when beginning to talk with anyone: not just "hello" but then "how are you going?", "happy New Year" (still common here till mid January) etc

Listen to 177

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

177. Given the real potential for a misuse of human abilities, individual states can no longer ignore their responsibility for planning, coordination, oversight and enforcement within their respective borders.

How can a society plan and protect its future amid constantly developing technological innovations? One authoritative source of oversight and coordination is the law, which lays down rules for admissible conduct in the light of the common good.

The limits which a healthy, mature and sovereign society must impose are those related to foresight and security, regulatory norms, timely enforcement, the elimination of corruption, effective responses to undesired side-effects of production processes, and appropriate intervention where potential or uncertain risks are involved.

There is a growing jurisprudence dealing with the reduction of pollution by business activities. But political and institutional frameworks do not exist simply to avoid bad practice, but also to promote best practice, to stimulate creativity in seeking new solutions and to encourage individual or group initiatives.

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Comments/reflections welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

2 Samuel 1-3

When David heard that Saul and Jonathan had died, David was very sad.

David was then anointed as king over the house of Judah, but Ishbaal became king of the rest of Israel.

War broke out between the House of David (Judah) and the House of Saul (Israel).

Gradually the House of David grew stronger and the House of Saul grew weaker.

Dear God, please give peace to all nations suffering from civil war

Psalm 71

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lord, may all elderly people put their trust and hope in you

Romans 6.12-23

Do not let sin control your life. Always remember which team you play for: God's Grace Guys, not Satan's Sin Side

Playing for SSS is a recipe for death. Playing for GGG leads to eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord

Jesus, please help me remember I'm on your team

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

Luke 9.10-17

Once after Jesus had been healing and teaching all afternoon, his disciples said to him "It's getting late and the people need to go and eat".

Jesus answered "They don't need to go. You feed them". The disciples replied "We have only 5 loaves and 2 fish".

Jesus got the people to sit on the grass. There were about 20,000 of them. Then he blessed the loaves and fish.

He handed the loaves and fish to his disciples. His disciples gave them to the crowd.

Everyone had plenty to eat.
They even had 12 baskets of leftovers.

Jesus, please make leaders do more to help the starving people of the world

Pope Francis calls for bold response to migration crisis

Tanzania police linked to major drug deals

Recording of 199

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Full text

199 (b): True love is always contemplative, and permits us to serve others not out of necessity or vanity, but rather because they are beautiful above and beyond mere appearances: “The love by which we find others pleasing leads us to offer them something freely”.

The poor person, when loved, “is esteemed as of great value”, and this is what makes the authentic option for the poor differ from any other ideology, from any attempt to exploit the poor for one’s own personal or political interest.

Only on the basis of this real and sincere closeness can we properly accompany the poor on their path of liberation. Only this will ensure that “in every Christian community the poor feel at home. Would not this approach be the greatest and most effective presentation of the good news of the kingdom?”

Without the preferential option for the poor, “the proclamation of the Gospel, which is itself the prime form of charity, risks being misunderstood or submerged by the ocean of words which daily engulfs us in today’s society of mass communications”.

My regular article in today's Ming Pao newspaper
with the topic: Hello from Africa
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

On yesterday's flight from Entebbe to Nairobi by Kenya Airlines, the pilot was a lady.
And .... her landing at Nairobi was one of the smoothest landings I've ever experienced.

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)

Monday January 11

Yesterday after meeting the family of one more inmate in a HK prison, I also met these three suffering people

More details here

Listen to 176

Pope's letter on climate change:
Laudato Si 我主應受讚美

176. There are not just winners and losers among countries, but also within poorer countries themselves.

Hence different responsibilities need to be identified.

Questions related to the environment and economic development can no longer be approached only from the standpoint of differences between countries; they also call for greater attention to policies on the national and local levels.

Yesterday morning I met the family of one more Ugandan inmate in a HK prison. That makes 11 families met in Uganda.
Yesterday afternoon I attended Mass at the Shrine of the Ugandan Martyrs. What a special privilege

This afternoon I'm due to fly from Entebbe airport (one hour from Kampala) back to Nairobi.

Tomorrow I'm due to meet more families of inmates in HK prisons - including several families from far-away Mombassa

	The Book Blog 4 readings + recordings
Readings are from Simple Bible (which has Chinese translation available)

1 Samuel 25-31

Samuel died and was buried in his home town of Ramah. Saul continued to try to capture David.

David and his band of 600 soldiers
spent more than a year in Philistine territory.

They stayed with Achish, king of Gath.
They fought against the enemies of Achish.

Achish sent David away when the Philistines made war on Israel. Saul and his son Jonathan died in this war.

Dear God, please protect and help all refugees

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 these words refer to you
Recording

Romans 6.3-11

When we were baptized, two things happened:

1: We went into Jesus' tomb and joined him in death. We died.

2: We rose from the dead with Jesus. We came back to life

This dying and rising means we have died to sin, and risen to a new life.

We died to an old life, and we came back to a new life.
We have been re-born, born again

Jesus, please help me leave my old life behind. Help me live a new life with you

Luke 9.1-6

Jesus called the 12 apostles together. He gave them power and authority to cast out devils and to heal sick people.

He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing sick people

Jesus, help me understand how some people have a special gift for healing sick people .... and how I can better pray to heal sick people