V2Catholic.com  A voice for the poor  Edited by HK prison chaplain 
Fr John Wotherspoon O.M.I . 胡頌恆神父    jdwomi@gmail.com   

Links, Search & Archives     Imitating Pope Francis

         

This website's anti-drug campaign  saves people from going to prison in HK     See & share inmates' letters! 
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How campaign began  HK:how long prison for  trafficking?   www.AsylumSeekerHK.com 

Tues Aug 15

Feast of the Assumption of Mary to Heaven 

John W: August 15 Reflection: In our spiritual DNA, there's something about Mary that moves our hearts on August 15. May this reflection be an encouragement to people who might be influenced to doubt the beautiful importance of Mary in God's plan and in our lives

 

  Many people have been praying for this - that Christians would unite their efforts to defend marriage. And, Thank you Jesus!, it's happened: The Coalition for Marriage has been founded by Australian Christian Lobby, Marriage Alliance, the Sydney Catholic Archdiocese and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. More than 70 other diverse partner organisations are also on board. 

 

Ex-presidents demand AMA retracts support for gay marriage

 

Obama Misled Nation On Gay Marriage In 2008

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

c.f. readings for Assumption 

 

 

1 Corinthians 15: Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all people die in Adam, so all people will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order: Christ as the first-fruits and then, after the coming of Christ, those who belong to him. After that will come the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having done away with every sovereignty, authority and power. For he must be king until he has put all his enemies under his feet and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death, for everything is to be put under his feet. 
Recording

 

 

Reflection on the above readings:

John Bucki SJ: Education for justice Assumption reflection

The spirituality of Mary invites us to the values of Catholic Social Teaching: concern for the poor, solidarity with all people, a preference for the ways of nonviolence rather than military might, forgiveness and reconciliation rather than domination and manipulation.

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Pope's letter on climate change:  Laudato Si  我主應受讚美
Full English text       Full Chinese text

147: Recording  Authentic development includes efforts to bring about an integral improvement in the quality of human life, and this entails considering the setting in which people live their lives.

These settings influence the way we think, feel and act. 

In our rooms, our homes, our workplaces and neighbourhoods, we use our environment as a way of expressing our identity. 

We make every effort to adapt to our environment, but when it is disorderly, chaotic or saturated with noise and ugliness, such overstimulation makes it difficult to find ourselves integrated and happy.

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Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel   
Full English text         Full Chinese text

145: Recording  Preparation for preaching is so important a task that a prolonged time of study, prayer, reflection and pastoral creativity should be devoted to it. 

With great affection I wish to stop for a moment and offer a method of preparing homilies. Some may find these suggestions self-evident, but I consider it helpful to offer them as a way of emphasizing the need to devote quality time to this precious ministry.

Some pastors argue that such preparation is not possible given the vast number of tasks which they must perform; nonetheless, I presume to ask that each week a sufficient portion of personal and community time be dedicated to this task, even if less time has to be given to other important activities.

Trust in the Holy Spirit who is at work during the homily is not merely passive but active and creative. It demands that we offer ourselves and all our abilities as instruments which God can use. A preacher who does not prepare is not "spiritual"; he is dishonest and irresponsible with the gifts he has received.

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Interactive Bible Quiz - Numbers
Based on the actual words of the Bible. 
How many times can you get 3/3 ?!  

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 Yesterday morning at CSD headquarters I attended a meeting that was most supportive of my anti-drug campaign....then went to a bookstore to buy items for prisoners....then collected my passport (with its one year China visa - thank you Jesus!), then spent some time at the Catholic Centre Chapel, then met with the inspiring founder and manager of 2ndhandhk.org, then paid a quick visit to Lai Chi Kok men's prison (to check about a coming High Court case), then visited 93 year old Fr John Chai O.M.I. in hospital. In the midst of all this travelling, on the MTR (Metro) I was surprised when a little Chinese boy (turned out to be 8 years old) stood up and offered me his seat. Most unusual in HK where adults always give seats to little children....and little children know their rights and are not slow to colonise empty seats. Boy spoke perfect English and was quite talkative and friendly. Turned out that the boy and his family (he was with his little sister and their mother) are from Malaysia ....

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

Sun: Africa 
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia 
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent, N. 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 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, today, Tuesday, please pacify Boko Haram

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Mon Aug 14

 

Press release on behalf of 6,000 US doctors and healthcare professionals:
Physicians are Healers Not Killers

 

Today is the feast of St Maximilian Kolbe whose Auschwitz story is truly one of inspiration ... how goodness can confront evil.

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

2 Kings 19: King Hezekiah asked the prophet Isaiah for advice. Isaiah said to the king: "The Lord says 'Do not be afraid of the King of Assyria. He shall not enter Jerusalem. I will protect this city and save it.'" That same night the angel of the Lord struck the Assyrian camp with a type of plague which killed thousands of men. The Assyrians then went back to their own land and did not attack Jerusalem.
Dear God, please protect ....... (the city where I am living now)
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 94: O Lord,  Judge of the earth, how long will the wicked crush the poor? The wicked say "God does not hear". But can he who made the ear, not hear? Blessed are those whom the Lord teaches. The Lord gives them peace in troubled times. When cares increase in my heart, God's consolation calms my soul.
Lord, when cares and troubles increase, please  help us to trust in you.
Recording

 

1 Timothy 3.1-15: To want to be a presiding elder is to want to do a noble work. That is why the president must be above reproach: He must not have been married more than once. He must be temperate, discreet, courteous, hospitable, a good teacher, not a heavy drinker, not hot-tempered, but kind and peaceable. He must not be a lover of money. He must be a man who manages his family well and brings up his children well. How could anyone who can't manage his own  family be given responsibility to manage God's family? He should not be a new convert in case he becomes full of pride. The Church of the living God is God's family. The Church is the guardian of the truth
Jesus, please give the Church good leaders
Recording

Matthew 9.35-37: Jesus went to many towns and villages. In the local prayer halls he taught people the Good News of God's kingdom. He healed all sorts of diseases and sicknesses. He felt sorry for the ordinary people because they were like sheep without a shepherd - leaderless, exploited, and feeling hopeless. He said to his friends: "So many people don't have good leaders. Pray to God to send good leaders". 
Jesus, many countries have bad leaders. Please help every country to have good leaders
Recording

 

Reflection on the above readings:

Jesus says (today's Gospel) to pray for good leaders. "What difference can my prayers make?".  Check this! (August 12)

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Pope's letter on climate change:  Laudato Si  我主應受讚美
Full English text       Full Chinese text

146: Recording  In this sense, it is essential to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions. 

They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed.

For them, land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest there, a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their identity and values.

When they remain on their land, they themselves care for it best. 

Nevertheless, in various parts of the world, pressure is being put on them to abandon their homelands to make room for agricultural or mining projects which are undertaken without regard for the degradation of nature and culture.

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Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel   
Full English text         Full Chinese text

144: Recording  The first step, after calling upon the Holy Spirit in prayer, is to give our entire attention to the biblical text, which needs to be the basis of our preaching. 

Whenever we stop and attempt to understand the message of a particular text, we are practising "reverence for the truth". This is the humility of heart which recognizes that the word is always beyond us, that "we are neither its masters or owners, but its guardians, heralds and servants".

This attitude of humble and awe-filled veneration of the word is expressed by taking the time to study it with the greatest care and a holy fear lest we distort it. To interpret a biblical text, we need to be patient, to put aside all other concerns, and to give it our time, interest and undivided attention.

We must leave aside any other pressing concerns and create an environment of serene concentration. It is useless to attempt to read a biblical text if all we are looking for are quick, easy and immediate results.

Preparation for preaching requires love. We only devote periods of quiet time to the things or the people whom we love; and here we are speaking of the God whom we love, a God who wishes to speak to us. Because of this love, we can take as much time as we need, like every true disciple: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening".

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10 years ago:

Photos from Australia

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  As people were leaving the G/F hall of St Paul's Yau Ma Tei after 8.30 Mass yesterday morning, an elderly man tripped and fell. No injuries thank Goodness. Parishioners were quick to come to his aid and had him comfortably lying on the ground ....his head on lovely soft cushion-type material. I marvelled that such nice material could be found on the spot. Then when he sat up I saw what the material was ....a collection bag!

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

Sun: Africa 
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia 
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent, N. 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 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, today, Monday, please pacify I.S.

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Sun Aug 13

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So many problems in the world ....not the least being the North Korean situation and the LGBT juggernaut. The more serious the problems, the more we need to pray ...and take whatever action we can to make this world a safer place. Let's pray often this week for peace on the Korean Peninsula ...pray that a diplomatic solution can be found ....maybe Trump might invite Obama or George Bush Jnr (or the two of them together) to go to North Korea for a meeting with the North Korean leadership? This tactic worked in the 2009 case of 2 US journalists freed after Bill Clinton went to North Korea. The North Korean leadership suffers from attention seeking ....craving for publicity 

 

Hong Kong's Catholic Church - Which way forward? - La Croix 

 

As Australia prepares for a postal ballot on same-sex marriage, please encourage others to watch this :
The consequences of homosexual marriage
When I watched this yesterday, I had a sickening feeling: It's hard to believe what has happened ...and what might happen!

 

Hong Kong's Catholic Church - Which way forward?

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

c.f. readings for Sunday 19

1 Kings 19: Elijah once spent a night in a cave. The Lord then told him to stand at the mouth of the cave. Then there was a mighty wind that shattered trees and rocks. But the Lord was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake. But the  Lord was not in the earthquake. Then there was a gentle breeze. And the Lord was in the breeze. Not long after this Elijah called Elisha to become his follower.
Dear Lord, please help us be aware of your presence in our lives
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 85: I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace. Peace for his people and his friends and those who turn to him in their hearts. His help is near for those who love him and his glory will dwell in our land. Mercy and faithfulness have met. Justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice shall look down from heaven. The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him
and peace shall follow his steps
Lord, please give more peace to our world
Recording

 

Romans 9.1-5: There is a great sorrow in my heart. It's with me day and night. It's the situation of the Jewish people, how they will not accept the Anointed One. I am willing to do anything to help them accept Jesus. I am willing to undergo the greatest suffering if that would help them believe. They are my nation, my family. They have been so blessed by God. From their flesh and blood came Christ, who is God.
Jesus, God-made-flesh, I pray with Paul that the Jewish people will believe in you
Recording

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

 

 Reflection on the above readings: 

As long as Peter focused on Jesus, he was ok. But as soon as he focused on the wind and waves....trouble. Same with us - especially at wind and wave times - the more we can focus on Jesus, the more calmly and clearly and wisely and safely will be our footsteps...even on water! 

Video commentary on today's readings - in Italian with English, Chinese and Spanish subtitles

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Pope's letter on climate change:  Laudato Si  我主應受讚美
Full English text       Full Chinese text

145: Recording  Many intensive forms of environmental exploitation and degradation not only exhaust the resources which provide local communities with their livelihood, but also undo the social structures which, for a long time, shaped cultural identity and their sense of the meaning of life and community. 

The disappearance of a culture can be just as serious, or even more serious, than the disappearance of a species of plant or animal. 

The imposition of a dominant lifestyle linked to a single form of production can be just as harmful as the altering of ecosystems.

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Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel   
Full English text         Full Chinese text

143b: Recording  The Lord and his people speak to one another in a thousand ways directly, without intermediaries.

But in the homily they want someone to serve as an instrument and to express their feelings in such a way that afterwards, each one may chose how he or she will continue the conversation. 

The word is essentially a mediator and requires not just the two who dialogue but also an intermediary who presents it for what it is, out of the conviction that "what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake"

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Hour of Love HK radio program 8.30 pm HK time tonight - with items about HK prison inmates

This excellent program - which HK prison inmates dearly love to listen to - is struggling for funding. Anyone who'd like to help, please email the program's presenter - Bruce Aitken: houroflove@gmail.com 

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  Re today's Gospel: Why on earth ...or on water ...did Peter try to walk on the sea?....putting the Lord to the test? And being a professional fisherman, surely he could swim!? Did Peter suffer from attention seaking ...making waves?!

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

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia 
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Fri: South America
Sat: Cent., N 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 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, today, Sunday, please bless all Muslims in my country

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Sat Aug 12

Some very special good news - thank you Jesus! The fledgling NGO "MercyHK" of which I am a core member (together with Tony Chan and Lucia Leung) has now signed a rental agreement for a house (not a unit) on Cheung Chau Island ....a house that can take more than a dozen homeless men. And ....employment has already been found (on Cheung Chau and at neighboring Discovery Bay) for the first batch of residents. And ...a blessing and opening ceremony will be held around midday on Saturday September 30 ....to be officiated by HK Vicar General Rev. Dominic Chan! An open invitation is warmly extended to all dear readers of this website to join the party on Sep 30! ....taking the 10.45am ferry from Central. 

 

HK politician 'kidnapped, tortured by Mainland agents'

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

2 Kings 14-18: After the death of Elisha, kings continued to come to power and be assassinated in Judah and Israel. It was then that the king of Assyria invaded Israel and Judah. Hezekiah, king of Judah, a good man, prayed to God for help. 
Dear God, please save us in time of trial
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 93: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed, he has girded himself with power. The world you made firm, not to be moved. From all eternity, O Lord, you are. The oceans and coastlines of the world are majestic and powerful. But greater than the roar of mighty waters, more glorious than the surging of the sea is the Lord on high. Such a Lord, such a Creator, such a God. Truly your decrees are to be trusted. Holiness is fitting to your house O Lord, always and everywhere. 
We praise you, Lord, our Creator
Recording

 

1 Timothy 1.18 - 2.8: Timothy, my son, as I give you advice for practical issues, remember how the church elders prayed over you that you would be a good leader. My first bit of advice is that there should be prayers offered for everyone, especially for kings and others in authority, so that we can live our life of faith in peace and quiet. God wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth. There is only one God, and there is only one mediator between God and humanity, himself a man, Christ Jesus, who sacrificed himself as a ransom for everyone. In every place, I want believers to lift up their hands in reverent prayer.
God our Father, through Jesus your Son, I ask a blessing on the leaders of our world, especially the leaders of my own country
Recording

Matthew 9.27-31: As Jesus walked along, two men who had become blind followed after him calling out  "Son of David, please help us". Jesus asked them "Do you believe I can help you?" They said "Yes we do". Then Jesus touched their eyes and said "Your request made in faith is granted". Immediately they were able to see again. They told everyone they met  what Jesus had done for them.
Jesus, heal my friend (..name..) who is blind
Recording

Reflection on the above readings:

In today's third reading, St Paul tells us to pray for people in authority. Maybe the greatest need of our poor world is .....good leaders....leaders who pray (as in first reading). My final prayer each night as I go to sleep is a prayer for better leaders ....I follow my schedule at the bottom of this weekly menu....so last night, Friday, I prayed for better leaders in ... South America. 

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Pope's letter on climate change:  Laudato Si  我主應受讚美
Full English text       Full Chinese text

144: Recording A consumerist vision of human beings, encouraged by the mechanisms of today's globalized economy, has a levelling effect on cultures, diminishing the immense variety which is the heritage of all humanity.

Attempts to resolve all problems through uniform regulations or technical interventions can lead to overlooking the complexities of local problems which demand the active participation of all members of the community.

New processes taking shape cannot always fit into frameworks imported from outside; they need to be based in the local culture itself.

As life and the world are dynamic realities, so our care for the world must also be flexible and dynamic. 

Merely technical solutions run the risk of addressing symptoms and not the more serious underlying problems.

There is a need to respect the rights of peoples and cultures, and to appreciate that the development of a social group presupposes an historical process which takes place within a cultural context and demands the constant and active involvement of local people from within their proper culture. 

Nor can the notion of the quality of life be imposed from without, for quality of life must be understood within the world of symbols and customs proper to each human group.

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Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel   
Full English text         Full Chinese text

143a: Recording  The challenge of an inculturated preaching consists in proclaiming a synthesis, not ideas or detached values. Where your synthesis is, there lies your heart. 

The difference between enlightening people with a synthesis and doing so with detached ideas is like the difference between boredom and heartfelt fervour. The preacher has the wonderful but difficult task of joining loving hearts, the hearts of the Lord and his people.

The dialogue between God and his people further strengthens the covenant between them and consolidates the bond of charity. In the course of the homily, the hearts of believers keep silence and allow God to speak. 

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 Pro-family video on yesterday's menu -An Impossible Right -     has the words "two men demanding the right to marry is like men demanding the right to breastfeed - impossible" !

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

Sun: Africa          
Mon: Europe, Russia           
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia                         
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America                   
Sat: Cent. & N 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 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, today, Saturday, please pacify the Taliban

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Fri Aug 11

This is the sort of conclusion that much of my research is pointing to:
Sydney & Dubai customs officers suspected of passing information to alleged crime figures


Pope 'loves China'

 

What a gripping story ....especially if you do a bit of flying!
Australian pilots reveal death-defying ordeal as engines failed on approach to HK Airport

 

 People's vote on marriage - postal ballots to arrive in homes from September 12!
Between now and the ballot, let's pray each day that all Australians will have the chance to know the facts about same-sex marriage ....as in this file and as in this most informative video:  An Impossible Right - interview with Archbishop of San Francisco

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

2 Kings 7-13: During Elisha's life time, there were many kings in Israel and Judah. A number of these kings were assassinated. Elisha also died and was buried in a tomb. Once when a dead man was put in Elisha's tomb, the man came back to life.
Dear God, please help us love you the way Elisha loved you
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 92: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning, and your truth right through the night. Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad. For the work of your hands, I shout with joy. To me you give the wild ox's strength. You anoint me with the purest oil. May we love and praise you right through our lives, right till the end of our days. May we keep on proclaiming your goodness, proclaiming that in you, our rock, there is only goodness.
Lord, it is right and fitting to love and praise you
Recording

 

1 Timothy 1.12-17: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who called me into his service, even though I was an offender. Mercy was shown me, because I was acting in ignorance. Christ Jesus came into the world to save offenders. I myself am the greatest offender. Christ Jesus' patience and mercy to me is available to all offenders. I am a demonstration model of Christ's mercy.
To the eternal King, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
Recording

Matthew 9. 18-26: A prayer hall official came to Jesus and said "My daughter has just died. Please come and lay your hand on her and she will come back to life". As Jesus and his friends were following the official to his home, a woman who had a hemorrhage for 12 years came up behind Jesus and touched his clothing.
The woman had said to herself "If I can even touch his clothing, I will be healed". Jesus knew what she was doing and said to her "My daughter, your faith has healed you". Instantly she was healed. When Jesus arrived at the official's house he saw a crowd of people crying loudly. Jesus said to them "Get out of the house. The little girl is asleep, not dead".  The crowd laughed at Jesus. After the crowd had gone outside, Jesus went inside. He took the little girl by the hand, and she stood up. News of what had happened spread all round the district.
Jesus, please increase my faith in your power to heal the sick and raise the dead
Recording

 

Reflection on the above Bible readings:

One of the greatest examples of human mercy in recent years: Pope John Paul II in prison cell of the man who tried to kill him (see photo, above) ....forgiving him, encouraging him.

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Pope's letter on climate change:  Laudato Si  我主應受讚美
Full English text       Full Chinese text

 143: Recording  Together with the patrimony of nature, there is also an historic, artistic and cultural patrimony which is likewise under threat. 

This patrimony is a part of the shared identity of each place and a foundation upon which to build a habitable city.

It is not a matter of tearing down and building new cities, supposedly more respectful of the environment yet not always more attractive to live in.

Rather, there is a need to incorporate the history, culture and architecture of each place, thus preserving its original identity.

Ecology, then, also involves protecting the cultural treasures of humanity in the broadest sense. 

More specifically, it calls for greater attention to local cultures when studying environmental problems, favouring a dialogue between scientific-technical language and the language of the people.

Culture is more than what we have inherited from the past; it is also, and above all, a living, dynamic and participatory present reality, which cannot be excluded as we rethink the relationship between human beings and the environment.

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Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel   
Full English text         Full Chinese text

142b: Recording  In the homily, truth goes hand in hand with beauty and goodness. Far from dealing with abstract truths or cold syllogisms, it communicates the beauty of the images used by the Lord to encourage the practise of good.

The memory of the faithful, like that of Mary, should overflow with the wondrous things done by God. Their hearts, growing in hope from the joyful and practical exercise of the love which they have received, will sense that each word of Scripture is a gift before it is a demand.

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 In Chinese history there's a famous guy who used to lead a group of beggars Hong Qigong. Last night as I had my usual Thursday night meal with a group of homeless people who sleep at McDonald's (God bless McD's!) I thought how Qigong in Heaven (..surely he's there after helping so many poor people...) would be pleased with the Thursday night gathering.

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

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia        
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia            
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: S. America     
Sat: Cent, N. 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 11th of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Hunan

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month: 
On this 11th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Eritrea

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Friday, please bless all Muslims

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Thu August 10

Yesterday I was at Lo Wo women's prison from 9.00am to 5.30pm....not a bad day's work for an old fellow. As usual I showed inmates my "Big Fish" photos ...drug lords....and once again I found that photos which I had in a folder for one part of the world were recognized by inmates from other parts of the world....showing how the Nigerian Drug Lords move around and are internationally connected. And once again I heard more stories of how local and overseas authorities have not used information provided by drug mules on arrest at HK airport. In the words of one HK legislator, the authorities are not "chasing up the ladder". They seem to have a policy that "Big Fish" are a protected species. (And see , below)

 

"Drug use in affluent societies creates a continual and growing demand for products imported from poorer regions, where behaviour is corrupted, lives are destroyed, and the environment continues to deteriorate" - 142, below

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

2 Kings 6: The king of Aram was at war with Israel. But each time he planned an attack, Elisha warned the king of Israel and the attack was foiled. The king of Aram therefore sent soldiers to capture Elisha. Elisha prayed to God for help and the soldiers were temporarily blinded. While they were blinded, Elisha led them to the king of Israel. The king of Israel asked Elisha "Shall I kill them?" Elisha told him not to kill them but to feed them and let them go. After this there was peace for a time between Aram and Israel.
Dear God, please bless our enemies, and help us be kind to them

My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 91: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High says to the Lord "you are my refuge in whom I trust". The Lord will hide you and protect you. Under his wings you will find refuge. You will not fear any night time terror, nor any attack during the day. Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell. For you has he commanded his angels to keep you safe in all your ways. 
Dear God, thank you for your protection day and night
Recording

 

 

1 Timothy 1.1-10: From Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus, to Timothy, true child of mine in the faith. I  wish you grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Please stay at Ephesus and insist that no one teaches misleading doctrines or empty speculation about the Law of God. As a penal code, the aim of the Law is to make provision not for good people but for offenders: for murderers, for people who are immoral with women or with boys or with men, for liars and for perjurers  - and for everything else that is contrary to sound teaching
Jesus, please help law offenders not to offend again, and to make up for what they have done
Recording  (and see 142, below...)

Matthew 9.14-17: One day John the Baptist's friends asked Jesus "How come we and the religious leaders fast, but your friends don't?" Jesus replied "Fasting is a good thing, and after I have left this world my friends will  fast. But remember that multiplying external prayers and fasts without a change of heart is useless. Out of date religious structures need a drastic overhaul, not just external plastic surgery." 
Jesus, please help me practise a bit of fasting, especially  each Friday, the day you died
Recording

 

Reflection on the above Bible readings:

I've never been much good at fasting, but last Friday - the day of the crucial Liberal Party meeting in Canberra - I had only liquids between breakfast and evening meal ....as a way of praying for the protection of the family in Australia. During war time people become more serious about life ....and now is war time ...a time of war on the family...c.f. Pope Francis: Gender theory is part of a global war against traditional marriage and the family

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Pope's letter on climate change:  Laudato Si  我主應受讚美
Full English text       Full Chinese text

142b: Recording Whether in the administration of the state, the various levels of civil society, or relationships between individuals themselves, lack of respect for the law is becoming more common.

Laws may be well framed yet remain a dead letter. 

Can we hope, then, that in such cases, legislation and regulations dealing with the environment will really prove effective?

We know, for example, that countries which have clear legislation about the protection of forests continue to keep silent as they watch laws repeatedly being broken.

Moreover, what takes place in any one area can have a direct or indirect influence on other areas.

Thus, for example, drug use in affluent societies creates a continual and growing demand for products imported from poorer regions, where behaviour is corrupted, lives are destroyed, and the environment continues to deteriorate.

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Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel   
Full English text         Full Chinese text

142a: Recording  Dialogue is much more than the communication of a truth.

It arises from the enjoyment of speaking and it enriches those who express their love for one another through the medium of words. 

This is an enrichment which does not consist in objects but in persons who share themselves in dialogue. 

A preaching which would be purely moralistic or doctrinaire, or one which turns into a lecture on biblical exegesis, detracts from this heart-to-heart communication which takes place in the homily and possesses a quasi-sacramental character: "Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ". 

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 As I left home at an early hour yesterday morning for Lo Wu women's prison, I had decided I'd need to make two trips from my home on the 3/F to the G/F ....with my very heavy trolley (containing a carton of 24 cans of "Ensure" for a cancer patient + a number of heavy text books) + two large bags of Pampers + my backpack containing folders, notebooks and other items). But just as I went out the door, a strong young neighbour from Sri Lanka also went out of his door ....and he kindly insisted on carrying the trolley ....which left me free to carry the other items....only one trip needed. I took this as a sign from Heaven that my trip to the prison was starting with a special blessing from Someone with an "awesome" sense of timing!

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

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

And praying for prisoners in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 10th of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Hubei

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 10th of the month,  Jesus please bless the people of Guinea

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

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Wed Aug 9

Yesterday morning at the High Court a most compassionate judge reduced the sentence of a drug mule from poverty-stricken Venezuela by 27 months ...mainly for most active participation by the inmate and the inmate's family in my anti-drug campaign. A starting point which should have been 23.9 years (for 1.9kg of cocaine) became 23 years. Then the "International Element" which should have been 2 years became 1 year = 24 years. This was then reduced by one third for a guilty plea = 16 years. And another one third for good behaviour = 10.8. With a further explicit 6 months deduction for campaign participation = 10.2

And there was much praise for the campaign by the dear judge - a Spanish speaker - who was even able to understand the campaign articles written in Spanish! And as if that was not enough, as the inmate's barrister and I were at the lift lobby to leave the High Court, who should join us but the judge (humbly using the common lift, not the judges' special lift) ....and we finished up at a nearby Pacific Coffee all having a Cappuccino for which the judge paid! 

And the judge has offered to support the coming NGO "Voice for Prisoners" which will lobby on issues like "disparity of sentence" (... if certain other judges had taken today's case the inmate would have received 23.9 + 2 + 0 for the campaign = 25.9 years)

Not forgetting another compassionate figure: the prosecution barrister from the Department of Justice...who also always supports campaign mitigation...and who said he will not appeal yesterday's sentence (on the grounds it was too "light"). Something tells me this barrister will one day be a leading judge in HK. 

 

Prison officers blast 'unproven' abuse claims vs Lawmakers urge gov't to form independent investigation into alleged torture of juvenile inmates

 

 Pope to visit Myanmar Nov 27

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  Chris McDonnell 

Slaves and servants
Michelle Obama recounted an incident in which a West Virginia county employee called her an 'ape in heels'

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

2 Kings 5:  Naaman was an army commander for the king of Aram. Naaman enjoyed success and favor, but he was a leper. He heard about Elisha and the king sent him to Elisha with  gifts of gold, silver and garments to request healing. When Naaman reached Elisha's house, Elisha sent him a message: "Bathe 7 times in the Jordan River." At first Naaman was angry at this message, having expected Elisha to see and heal him personally. But then he humbly bathed 7 times in the Jordan
and his flesh became clean once more. Elisha declined Naaman's gifts. But after Naaman left Elisha, Elisha's servant Gehazi caught up with Naaman and deceitfully obtained some silver. Elisha confronted Gehazi about this and Gehazi became a leper.
Dear God, please heal everyone who has leprosy
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 90: O Lord you have been our refuge from one generation to the next. Before the earth or the world existed, you are God, without beginning or end. For you, a thousand years are like yesterday, come and gone so quickly. We humans have a short life, our life is over like a sigh. Our span is 70 years, or 80 for those who are strong. Make us know the shortness of our life, that we may gain wisdom of heart. In the morning, fill us with your love. Give success to the work of our hands.
Lord, help us realize the shortness of our life, that we may live our lives more wisely
Recording

 

2 Thessalonians 3.10-16: We gave you a rule when we were with you: not to let anyone have any food if he refused to do any work. Yet we hear that some of you are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else's work. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on such people to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat. Never grow tired of doing what is right. May the Lord of peace give you peace always and everywhere
Jesus, don't let me interfere in other people's business
Recording

Matthew 9.9-13: One day when Jesus was walking past a customs house he said to a tax collector  named Matthew "Follow me". Matthew got up and followed Jesus. Matthew invited Jesus and Jesus' friends to a dinner in his house. Some tax collectors and  "bad" people sat at Jesus' table. Religious leaders saw this and complained to Jesus' friends "Why does your master eat with tax collectors and bad people?" Jesus' answer was "It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. Go and think about the Bible words 'What I want is mercy, not sacrifice'. I have a special concern for rejects and down-and-outs." 
Jesus, please help religious leaders in today's world to care more about people who are rejected by society
  Recording

 

 Reflection on the above readings: 

Jesus mixed with "bad" people ....tax collectors and prostitutes. Hope I don't scandalise you, but the first people I speak to of a morning (even on my way to Sunday Mass at St Paul's Yau Ma Tei) are usually....prostitutes. Many of them in Temple Street where I live. But try as I may, I still can't find a tax collector!

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Pope's letter on climate change:  Laudato Si  我主應受讚美
Full English text       Full Chinese text

142a: Recording  If everything is related, then the health of a society's institutions has consequences for the environment and the quality of human life. 

"Every violation of solidarity and civic friendship harms the environment".

In this sense, social ecology is necessarily institutional, and gradually extends to the whole of society, from the primary social group, the family, to the wider local, national and international communities.

Within each social stratum, and between them, institutions develop to regulate human relationships.

Anything which weakens those institutions has negative consequences, such as injustice, violence and loss of freedom.

A number of countries have a relatively low level of institutional effectiveness, which results in greater problems for their people while benefiting those who profit from this situation.

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Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel   
Full English text         Full Chinese text

141: Recording  One cannot but admire the resources that the Lord used to dialogue with his people, to reveal his mystery to all and to attract ordinary people by his lofty teachings and demands.

I believe that the secret lies in the way Jesus looked at people, seeing beyond their weaknesses and failings: "Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" ; Jesus preaches with that spirit.

Full of joy in the Spirit, he blesses the Father who draws the little ones to him: "I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes". 

The Lord truly enjoys talking with his people; the preacher should strive to communicate that same enjoyment to his listeners. 
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 Slap on wrist for man caught with brother's severed arms in luggage

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

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia         
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia      
Thurs: S.E.Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America    
Sat: Cent, N 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 9th of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Henan

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 9th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Central African Republic

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

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Please also join me in praying for the very many deformed and handicapped people from China who are on the streets of HK as beggars...as well as deformed people in China itself ...like Hung Chun Cai

        
    My Africa trips: 
2015: Tanzania, Malawi

2016: Kenya, Uganda

2017: Southern Africa, Dubai ( The Last Run)

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Gay marriage: an elephant in the room (by John W)

Video: What "gay marriage" did to Massachusetts 
同志婚姻自2004年立法後，美國麻省的改變 （ 廣東話附字幕版）

  Frightening YouTube reports: LGBT radical impact on educational institutions (No. 5); LGBT infiltrating churches (No. 6); US corporations massively supporting LGBT agenda (No. 7). What has happened in the US is now starting to happen in other places. Some day our children will ask "why didn't you do more to stop this evil?"

 

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Pope's surprise visit to drug treatment centre

Pope is practising what he preaches: "get out and mix with the poor"

 

HK readers might like to join me in praying each day for one group of HK prison inmates: Sun: Lo Wu; Mon: C.I.C., Siu Lam, Tai Lam; Tue: Stanley Wed:  Hei Ling Chau   Thu: Lantau 
Fri: Lai Chi Kok       Sat: Hospitals, Pik Uk & other centres

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This website was launched  in construction mode in Hong Kong on November 20, 2011 - the Feast of Christ the King. The official launching  was held on the Gold Coast, Australia, on January 20, 2012. Map and Flag Counter began Feb 11, 2012.  Previous visits 4,932. Note: counter on this page + Map & Flag Counter record visits only to this main/index page. Visits to other pages and to Facebook page are not recorded. This site's 2017 statistics. Thank you for checking this website each day. God bless all readers and bloggers!                              

                    

 Fr John Wotherspoon O.M.I. 胡 頌 恆 神 父   
 jdwomi@gmail.com  HK mobile  +852- 67095674
 China mobile +86-13828421861 -  (only when in China)
PO Box 74013 Kowloon Central Post Office, Hong Kong                      

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