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!
HK
Indon
Kenya
Nigeria
Phil
S.A.
S.Amer
Thail
Tanz
Ug
EU
How
campaign began
HK:how
long prison for trafficking?
www.AsylumSeekerHK.com
Tues Sep 19
Yesterday morning I was at the High Court for the application of
an Indonesian inmate to change her plea from "guilty" to "not
guilty" for alleged drug trafficking (after receiving a parcel in the mail
....another set up).
Not a simple process in HK. The hearing continued in the afternoon but I could
stay only in the morning because of a meeting in the afternoon. Unfortunately
there's a lot of pressure on all people arrested to plead "guilty"
from the time of their arrest ....to get a one-third reduction in their
sentence. This one-third is available only to people who plead
"guilty" from the start ....if you wait till you get to the High Court
to plead guilty you get only one-fifth. Problem is that a tiny minority of
inmates who are genuinely innocent, but who (at least at the beginning) don't
have much evidence to prove their innocence, are pleading "guilty" to
avoid a long sentence.
Chinese
Christians' same sex marriage warning
Australian
Catholic Church Falls Short on Safeguards for Children, Study Finds
and Report
lifts lid on Catholic Church and child sex abuse
--------------------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Judith 5:
When Holofernes heard that the Israelites
were resisting him
he was very angry. He asked Achior, leader of the neighboring
Ammonites, for information about the Israelites.
Achior told Holofernes of the Israelites' history: how God had freed
them from Egypt, how they had conquered the land of Canaan, and how God
protected them. Holofernes ignored Achior's advice
and decided to attack the Israelites.
Dear God, please protect our
country from war and strife
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
123: To you have I lifted up my eyes,
you who dwell in the heavens. My eyes, like the eyes of slaves
on the hand of their lords. Like the eyes of a servant on the hand of her
mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God till he show us mercy. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt. Indeed all too full is our soul with the scorn
of the rich,
with the proud man's disdain.
Lord, please protect poor
people from being exploited by rich people
Listen
Hebrews
3.1-13: Focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of
our religion.
He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just like Moses. Take care not to turn away from the living
God.
Keep encouraging one another, so that sin does not cause you to turn away
from God.
Jesus, help me stay focused on you
Listen
Matthew
20.1-16: Jesus said to his disciples:
The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire
workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them the normal daily
wage. Then about 9am he went again to
the market place. He saw more men without a job. He got them also to
go to his vineyard. He promised to pay them a fair wage. About noon and again about 3pm he
once more went to the market place and employed two more groups of
men. About 5pm he went one final time
and employed one last group of men. At sunset when the men came to be
paid, the owner paid everyone a normal day's wage. This made the
dawn group unhappy. They grumbled and said "We
have done a full day's work in the heat. Yet we got the same as those who
did only one hour's work. This is not fair!" The owner replied "I am
paying you what we agreed to. Why do you begrudge my generosity?"
Jesus, please help me not to be jealous of your
gifts to others
Listen
Reflection
on the above readings:
Some
people "enter the kingdom" by water baptism or "baptism of
desire" from their earliest childhood days. Others when they are
teenagers, others when adults, others in old age. It's never too early ...or
too late...to become friends with God.
--------------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text
Full Chinese text
179: Listen 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.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text
Full
Chinese text
171: Listen
Today more than ever we need men and women who, on
the basis of their experience of accompanying others, are
familiar with processes which call for prudence, understanding, patience and
docility to the Spirit, so that they can protect the sheep from wolves
who would scatter the flock.
We need to practice the art of listening, which is more than simply hearing. Listening, in communication, is an openness of heart which makes possible that closeness without which genuine spiritual encounter cannot occur. Listening helps us to find the right gesture and word which shows that we are more than simply bystanders.
Only through such respectful and
compassionate listening can we enter on the paths of true growth and awaken a
yearning for the Christian ideal: the desire to
respond fully to God's love and to bring to fruition what he has sown in our
lives.
-------------------------------------
Interactive
Bible Quiz - 1 Samuel
Based on the actual
words of the Bible.
How many times can you get 3/3 ?!
----------------------------------
Over the past week I've gone into debt ...borrowing....to
be able to pay study fees for African and South American prison inmates.
Normally I try not to spend what I don't have. But this time was special ...it's
so good for inmates to study...so I felt the risk was worthwhile. Then last
night I received a text to say someone had made a donation to my bank account.
Kind person did not know I was in debt. Donation will cover the fees. Good Lord
has a great sense of timing! God bless the kind donor!
--------------------------------------
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 19th
of
the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Shanxi
And praying for one of
the world's poorest countries
each day of the month:
On this 19th of the month, Jesus
please bless the people of Sudan
And praying for one
Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Tuesday,
please pacify Boko
Haram
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Mon Sep 18
Occupy co-founder Reverend Chu anxious but adamant ahead of trial
"I have devoted my whole life to serving the underprivileged," he said softly. "I was emotional when I sat in the dock." He added: "I find it ironic that the government offered me a medal of honour before the city's handover in 1997 for my humanitarian work, and [is going to] send me to jail for my fight for democracy after the handover."
--------------------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Judith
2-4:
Nebuchadnezzar summoned his top general Holofernes
and gave him a huge army to punish the nations
that had not joined him for the war against Arphaxad. Nation after nation, people after people, fell to the sword of
Holofernes.
Some places made peace with Holofernes
by giving him all their possessions and then becoming slaves of
Nebuchadnezzar, worshipping Nebuchadnezzar as a god.
As the army of Holofernes approached Israel,
the Israelites fasted and prayed to God for help.
They also blocked the mountain passes to delay Holofernes' advance.
Dear God, please help nations which have been invaded by other nations
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
122: I rejoiced when I heard them say
"Let us go to God's house." And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray
"Peace be to your homes." For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good.
Lord, may your peace be in our
hearts and homes
Listen
Hebrews
2.14-18: The Son did not become an angel.
He became a man, so that he could die for us. By his death he took away the power of the
devil. He himself experienced temptation.
He is able to help us when we are tempted
Jesus, please help me when I am tempted to do
something wrong
Listen
The Word did not become a
philosophy or a theory or a concept to be discussed and debated. But The Word
became a person
to be followed, enjoyed and loved!
Matthew
19.27-29: On behalf of all the disciples, Peter asked
Jesus
"What about us? We have left everything to follow you." Jesus replied "You will be
leaders in the church on earth. Also, anyone who has left home, family
or country for the sake of my name,
will receive a 100-fold blessing in this life,
and will also receive eternal life in Heaven."
Listen
Jesus, please bless all Gospel
workers
--------------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
178: Listen
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", 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.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
170: Listen
Although it sounds obvious, spiritual
accompaniment must lead others ever closer to God, in whom we attain true
freedom.
Some people think they are free if they can avoid God; they fail to see that they remain existentially orphaned, helpless, homeless. They cease being pilgrims and become drifters, flitting around themselves and never getting anywhere.
To accompany them would be counterproductive if
it became a sort of therapy supporting their self-absorption and ceased to be a
pilgrimage with Christ to the Father
-------------------------------------
10
years ago today:
Visit to all centers by Matthew Carpenter & Thomas Li of New China Link
------------------------------------------
NRL Finals: Cowboys' culture of no complaint wins over doubters
--------------------------------------
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 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, today, Monday,
please pacify I.S.
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Sun Sep 17
I spent most of yesterday trying to catch up on a backload of
mail (all from prisoners) that accumulated while I was in Kuala Lumpur recently.
This is the time of year when prisoners in HK need to apply for an end of year
study course which if they pass allows them to take part in a graduation
ceremony early next year. Study is one of the best things inmates can do while
in detention. How I wish the government would make it easier for all inmates to
study. But then I guess I should not be too hard on the HK government ...its
resources are limited....it has only about one trillion HK dollars in the
bank....how could it possibly afford to sponsor HK$500 courses for a few hundred
prisoners?
Urge,
Splurge, Purge (George Monbiot)The
demand for perpetual economic growth, and the collective madness it provokes,
leads inexorably to environmental collapse
马克
拉山姆 ：
同性婚姻合法将如潘多拉的盒子，给社会带来更多问题
- Mark Latham: Same-Sex Yes Vote will Open a Can of Worms
-----------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Sunday 24
Sirach 25-28: Happy the husband of a really good wife.
A good wife is the joy of her husband. Do not praise a person before they have
spoken.
A person's speech reveals what sort of person is speaking. Among stupid people look for an opportunity to
leave,
but among thoughtful people take your time. Sarcasm and abuse are the mark of an arrogant
person.
Resentment and anger are bad for everyone. Forgive others if they have offended you.
Then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven. Avoid quarrelling and losing your temper.
Do not let your mouth speak scandal.
Lord, please give me the wisdom
to control my speech
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
103: My soul, give thanks to the Lord.
All my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings. It is he who forgives all your guilt,
who heals every one of your ills. It is he who fills your life with good things,
renewing your youth like an eagle's life. The Lord is compassion and love,
slow to anger and rich in mercy. As the heavens are high above the earth
so strong is his love for those who love him. As far as the East is from the West,
so far does he remove our sins. As a father has compassion on his
children,
the Lord has pity on all who love and honor him. Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels,
who heed the voice of his word. Give thanks to the Lord, everyone and
everything.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord!
Thank you, Lord, for your love
and compassion
Listen
Romans
14-15: The life and death of each of us, has its
influence on others.
If we live, we live for the Lord. If we die, we die for the Lord.
Alive or dead, we belong to the Lord. Never pass judgment on other people.
Never treat other people with contempt. The kingdom of God is not about eating special
food.
The kingdom of God is about friendship with God,
and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Do whatever you can to help other people
become stronger Christians.
Jesus, please help me be a good Christian
Listen
Matthew
18.21-35: Peter asked Jesus "How many times must I
forgive someone?
7 times?" Jesus answered "Not 7, but 77 times. For the kingdom of heaven is like a king who
cancelled the huge debt of one of his servants. But that same servant refused to cancel the
tiny debt of one of his fellow servants. So the king said to the servant:
'When you appealed to me, I had pity on you and cancelled your big
debt. But you refused to have pity on your fellow servant who asked
you for mercy. Therefore you must now go to prison until your big debt is
paid.' If you refuse to forgive other people,
you are making yourself ineligible for God's forgiveness."
Jesus, please help me to
forgive other people,
just as you forgive me....many times each day
Listen
Reflection on the above readings:
A Google search of "link between
unforgiveness and sickness" produces many important articles, like this
one:
The Deadly Consequences of Unforgiveness
- CBN News
Video commentary on today's readings - in Italian with English, Chinese and Spanish subtitles
--------------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
177: Listen
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.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
169: Listen
In
a culture paradoxically suffering from anonymity and at the same time obsessed
with the details of other people's lives, shamelessly given over to morbid
curiosity, the Church must look more closely and
sympathetically at others whenever necessary.
In our world, ordained ministers and other pastoral workers can make present the fragrance of Christ's closeness and his personal gaze. The Church will have to initiate everyone - priests, religious and laity -– into this "art of accompaniment" which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other.
The pace of this accompaniment must be steady and reassuring,
reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals,
liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life.
-------------------------------------
Hour
of Love HK radio program 8.30
pm HK time tonight
- with items about HK prison inmates
-------------------------------------------
In
the Old Testament, Abraham and God played a numbers game...Abraham getting God
down from 50 to 10 (in Genesis 18). In today's Gospel, Peter and Jesus play a
numbers game ....and Jesus "ups" Peter from 7 to 77 (or 490 in some
translations). Jesus did not play 2-up
but 7-Up"
with Peter!
--------------------------------------
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 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, today, Sunday,
please bless all Muslims in my country
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Sat Sep 16
Yesterday I was at Lo Wo Women's Prison (in Sheung Shui) from
9.30am to 5.45pm ...not a bad effort for an old fellow.
Once again I came away sad to have seen so many mothers in prison...especially
mothers from Africa and South America. One bright spot is the fact that
the number of such mothers arrested at HK airport for drug trafficking has been
drastically reduced. Associated with this decline is a greater awareness among
inmates about the drug world "big picture".
This was illustrated by one mother from Mainland China who received a letter yesterday saying that her daughter was due to go on a trip outside China today. Mother was worried "trip" might be a drug delivery job, so she asked me to phone the daughter to warn her about the danger of travel outside China. Carrying out such a phone call request is against the rules, but this was an exceptional case, so last night I phoned the daughter to convey the mother's concern ....and was relieved to learn that the trip was organised by the daughter's business firm ....no foreigners involved. But since trip is to Thailand I mentioned the need to be most careful about carrying someone else's luggage etc. Today I'll drop a line to the mother to help her stop worrying.
--------------------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Judith
1:
When Nebuchadnezzar was king of the
Assyrians,
he fought a war with King Arphaxad and his supporting nations. Nebuchadnezzar sent a message to the nations
near Assyria
to help him fight Arphaxad. But the peoples of those places ignored
Nebuchadnezzar.
They thought victory was beyond him. But Nebuchadnezzar was in fact victorious
and after his victory he set out to punish the nations which
had refused his call for help.
Dear God, please help all
nations to live in peace with each other
Psalms
120-121: I call to the Lord in the hour of my
distress:
"Lord save me from people who speak with lying lips". Long enough have I been dwelling with those
who hate peace.
I am for peace, but they are for fighting. I lift up my eyes to the mountains.
From where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth. The Lord is our guard and our shade.
Day and night we shall not be afraid. The Lord will guard our going and coming
both now and forever.
Lord, please protect us from
danger, day and night
Hebrews
1.1-4:
At various times in the past and in various
different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets. But in our own time, he has spoken to us
through his Son,
through whom he made everything.
He is the radiant light of God the Father's glory He has sacrificed himself for sinners.
He has taken his place at the right hand of the Father.
He is far greater than any angel
Jesus, deepen my understanding of
who you are
Listen
Matthew
19.16-26: A young man asked Jesus
"Master, what do I have to do to get to Heaven?" Jesus replied "Keep the commandments:
do not kill; do not commit adultery; honor your father and mother;
care for others as much as you care about yourself". The young man said "I have kept all these
commandments.
What else do I need to do?" Jesus said "If you want to do something
really special with your life, go and sell all your possessions, give the
money to the poor,
then come and follow me as one of my disciples". When the young man heard these words he went
away sad,
because he was very rich.
Jesus then said to his disciples
"It is hard for a rich person to get to Heaven".
Jesus, don't let riches endanger my eternal life
Listen
Reflection on the above readings:
Addiction to wealth means.... slavery. Living a life of sharing and caring means ...freedom.
----------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
176: Listen There
are not just winners and losers among countries, but 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.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
168: Listen
As for the moral component of catechesis, which
promotes growth in fidelity to the Gospel way of life, it is helpful to stress
again and again the attractiveness and the ideal of a life of wisdom, self-fulfilment
and enrichment.
In the light of that positive message, our rejection of the evils which endanger that life can be better understood.
Rather than experts
in dire predictions, dour judges bent on rooting out every threat and deviation,
we should appear as joyful messengers of challenging proposals, guardians of the
goodness and beauty which shine forth in a life of fidelity to the Gospel.
-------------------------------------
Pope
to new bishops: "Remember that God was already present in your
diocese before you got there... and he'll still be there when you leave"!
--------------------------------------
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 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, today, Saturday,
please pacify the
Taliban
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Fri Sep 15
Yesterday morning at the High Court a man from West Africa was
given a 4 month sentence-reduction for taking part in my anti-drug campaign, and
then, in a following case in the very same court room with the very same judge,
a woman from South America received a 5-month reduction for campaign
participation. Both inmates still have long sentences ....but at least they're
alive (which would not be the case if they were in Indonesia or Malaysia).
Last night with MercyHK fellow core-members Lucia and Tony I attended the usual Thursday night canteen meal for homeless people ...always a happy occasion...made even happier last night by news that several of our ex-Thursday night members are now doing really well at our Mercy Centre on Cheung Chau Island ....off drugs/alcohol, working...and arranging for some of their friends outside to join the community. Thank you Jesus!
-------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from Simple
Bible
Readings for Feast of Mary of Sorrows
Hebrews 5.7-9: During
his life on earth, Christ offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent
tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted
so humbly that his prayer was heard. Although he was Son, he learnt to obey
through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him
the source of eternal salvation.
My
recording of this reading
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Psalm 31: In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, hear me and speedily rescue me. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mighty stronghold to save me, for you are my rock, my stronghold. Into your hands I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me, Lord. I trust in you, Lord. You are my God. My life is in your hands, deliver me from the hands of those who hate me.
Luke
2.33-35: As the child's father and
mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him,
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: "You see this child: he is
destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a
sign that is rejected - and a sword will pierce your own soul too - so
that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare."
Recording
John 19.25-27: Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, "Woman, this is your son". Then to the disciple he said, "This is your mother". And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home
Reflection on the above Bible readings:
A traditional prayer on this day: The Stabat Mater which has the words:
O dear Mother, fount of love.
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord:
Make me feel as thou hast
felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.
----------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
175: Listen
The same mindset which stands in the way of making
radical decisions to reverse the trend of global warming also stands in the way
of achieving the goal of eliminating poverty.
A more responsible overall approach is needed to deal with both problems: the reduction of pollution and the development of poorer countries and regions.
The twenty-first century, while maintaining systems of governance inherited from the past, is witnessing a weakening of the power of nation states, chiefly because the economic and financial sectors, being transnational, tends to prevail over the political.
Given this situation, it is essential to devise stronger and more efficiently organized international institutions, with functionaries who are appointed fairly by agreement among national governments, and empowered to impose sanctions.
As Benedict XVI has affirmed in continuity with the social teaching of the Church: "To manage the global economy; to revive economies hit by the crisis; to avoid any deterioration of the present crisis and the greater imbalances that would result; to bring about integral and timely disarmament, food security and peace; to guarantee the protection of the environment and to regulate migration: for all this, there is urgent need of a true world political authority, as my predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago".
Diplomacy also takes on new importance in the work of developing international strategies which can anticipate serious problems affecting us all.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
167b: Listen
If, as
So a formation in the via pulchritudinis ought to be part of our effort to pass on the faith.
Each particular Church should encourage the use of the arts in evangelization, building on the treasures of the past but also drawing upon the wide variety of contemporary expressions so as to transmit the faith in a new "language of parables".
We must be bold enough to discover new
signs and new symbols, new flesh to embody and communicate the word, and
different forms of beauty which are valued in different cultural settings,
including those unconventional modes of beauty which may mean little to the
evangelizers, yet prove particularly attractive for others.
-------------------------------------
10
years ago today:
Thank you Ramon & Teray for visiting Saturday night English Corner!
------------------------------------------
Well, I went ahead with my plan to buy a wig (see
yesterday's menu) to keep my head warm at the High Court (where hats are not
allowed). This gives a new meaning to the term "wigwarm"?! My
wig is black. I overcame the crazy idea of buying a green or red one. That might
have been too much for the High Court establishment! I wore the wig at the High
Court yesterday, where I spent a couple of hours (see story at top of this menu)
--------------------------------------
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 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, Friday,
please bless all Muslims
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu Sep 14
Hello
from Hong Kong where I arrived home last night after 7 nights in Kuala Lumpur
....obtaining and spreading information that will help stop drug mules being
sent to HK from KL ...and help mules in HK to apply for a discount from their
sentence. Thank you Jesus for a safe trip to KL. Please
bless all the people I met there!
But my one-track, suspicious mind was activated at KL airport yesterday afternoon....as soon as a final boarding call for Flight 732 to HK was announced there was a ....blackout....as a result of which maybe one third of passengers on the flight did not have their carry-on baggage x-rayed.....which would be good news for anyone with drugs in their possession ....that not being a difficult task given KL airport's lax-security reputation. Just a co-incidence? Or perfect timing?
--------------------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from Simple
Bible
Readings for Feast of The Cross
Numbers 21: In
order to avoid the land of Edom, the Israelites headed towards the coastline.
But the people again criticized God and Moses. So God sent snakes among the
people, and many people died. The people then said to Moses "We have
sinned; please pray for us to save us". Moses prayed for them, and God
heard his prayer. God told Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole.
Anyone bitten by a snake could then look at the bronze snake and live.
Jesus' words (John 3.13):
"The Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the
desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him".
Recording
Psalm
78b: 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
Recording
Philippians 2.6-11: His state was divine, yet Christ Jesus did not cling to his equality with God, but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and became as humans are. And being as all humans are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high, and gave him the name which is above all other names, so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus, and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Recording (song:
The Philippians Hymn)
John 3.13-16: Jesus said to Nicodemus: "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven; and the Son of Man must be lifted up, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him". Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.
Reflection on the above Bible readings:
For today's Feast of The
Cross, a beautiful poem: Retreat
by James McAuley
Verses 2 & 3:
Soon
you must return to tasks
That sicken and appall:
The calumnies will never cease,
Look only to the sign of peace,
The Cross upon the wall.
This
is that sole instrument
That measures every chart;
This square and level overrules
The subtle calculus of fools
By a celestial art.
-------------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
174: Listen Let
us also mention the system of governance of the oceans.
International and regional conventions do exist, but fragmentation and the lack of strict mechanisms of regulation, control and penalization end up undermining these efforts.
The growing problem of marine waste and the protection of the open seas represent particular challenges.
What is needed, in effect, is an agreement on systems of governance for the whole range of so-called "global commons".
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
167a: Listen
Every form of catechesis would do well to
attend to the "way of beauty" (via
pulchritudinis).
Proclaiming Christ means showing that to believe in and to follow him is not only something right and true, but also something beautiful, capable of filling life with new splendour and profound joy, even in the midst of difficulties.
Every expression of true beauty can thus be acknowledged as a path leading to an encounter with the Lord Jesus.
This has nothing to do with fostering an aesthetic relativism
which would downplay the inseparable bond between truth, goodness and beauty,
but rather a renewed esteem for beauty as a means of
touching the human heart and enabling the truth and goodness of the Risen Christ
to radiate within it.
-------------------------------------
Today I'm due to attend two cases at the High Court
....so....last night at a shop opposite my home I bought ....a ....wig!
Because ...my last appearance at the Court, 9 days ago - for 3 hours - was like
being in a fridge....and I picked up a bit of a cold which kept me company in
Kuala Lumpur. Why not wear a cap/hat? ....because not allowed. Hope I'm not
charged with contempt of court!?
--------------------------------------
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 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, Thursday,
please pacify Al-Qaeda
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I am due to leave Kuala Lumpur early this afternoon ....due back HK tonight ....mobile number in KL: +60 (0)18 2801 573
Wed Sep 13
Thank you Jesus for the past week in
Kuala Lumpur. Please bless all I've met here.
Much work has been done for the anti-drug campaign. I hope this visit will help
stop people being tricked into taking drugs to HK ...and help already-tricked
people in prison in HK to appeal for lighter sentences. Yesterday I attended two
most important meetings. Details later....
"Gay marriage"
ballot:
The
silent majority are silent no more - several
powerful videos here.
--------------------------------------------------------
Chris McDonnell
We all need someone to listen to us
The good listener by their very presence, their body language, their generosity
of time and their patience, enable the talker to bring their difficulties and
worries into the light of day
-------------------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Tobit 14:
Tobit was 62 when he went blind.
He died when he was 112. After he was cured of blindness,
he continued his custom of helping the poor. Before he died he said to Tobias:
"Take your family and move to Media,
since Nineveh will soon see war and strife.
Serve God sincerely, always be willing to help poor people." After Tobit and Anna died, Tobias
moved to Media
and lived with Raguel his father in law.
Dear God, please help me
imitate Tobit in his kindness to poor people
Psalm
119: They are happy who follow God's word,
those who seek God with all their hearts. How can young people avoid evil?
By seeking you and obeying you, Lord. Open my eyes, Lord, that I may understand the beauty of your word.
Lord, when I'm worried or in trouble,
your word revives me and gives me strength. Lord, keep my eyes from what is false.
Bend my heart to your word and not to love of gain. The word from your mouth means more to me
than silver and gold. The unfolding of your word gives light
and teaches simple people.
Lord, thank you for your word
which gives peace to our hearts
Listen
Philemon
9-25: While here in prison, I have helped someone
you know
to become a believer. He is carrying this letter - Onesimus. I'm sending him back to you, no longer your
slave,
but your brother in Christ. Please welcome him as you would welcome me.
And let me pay for anything he stole from you. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you
Jesus, please put an end to slavery in the
world
Listen
Matthew
19.13-15:
Some people brought their little children to
Jesus.
They hoped Jesus would put his hands on the children and bless them.
Jesus' disciples told the people to go away
and not bother Jesus.
But Jesus said "Don't prevent the little children from coming to
me". Then he put his hands on them and blessed
them.
Jesus, please help all children
to know you from their earliest days.
Please don't let parents prevent children from coming to you.
Listen
Reflection on the above readings:
Children have the right to know their mother, father and Saviour from their earliest days
-----------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
173: Listen Enforceable
international agreements are urgently needed, since local authorities are not
always capable of effective intervention.
Relations between states must be respectful of each other's sovereignty, but must also lay down mutually agreed means of averting regional disasters which would eventually affect everyone.
Global regulatory norms are needed to impose obligations and prevent unacceptable actions, for example, when powerful companies or countries dump contaminated waste or offshore polluting industries in other countries.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
166: Listen
Another aspect of catechesis which has developed in
recent decades is mystagogic initiation. This
basically has to do with two things: a progressive experience of formation
involving the entire community and a renewed appreciation of the liturgical
signs of Christian initiation.
Many manuals and programs have not yet taken sufficiently into account the need for a mystagogical renewal, one which would assume very different forms based on each educational community's discernment.
Catechesis is a proclamation of the word and is always centred
on that word, yet it also demands a suitable environment
and an attractive presentation, the use of eloquent symbols, insertion into a
broader growth process and the integration of every dimension of the person
within a communal journey of hearing and response.
-------------------------------------
It's been embarrassing being an Australian in Kuala Lumpur
the past week.....because there are lots of Indians here.....and not long ago
India thrashed Australia at cricket!
--------------------------------------
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 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, Wednesday,
please pacify Al-Shabaab
---------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
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)
--------------------
Australian Chinese for
Families Association
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?"
--------------------------------------------
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.
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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)
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