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
Mon Sep 25
A busy but happy day for me yesterday: usual 8.30am Mass at YTM
Catholic Primary School, morning Green Tea at McDonald's, some office work, 3pm
prayer meeting for the sick, 5.15pm gathering for the poor (with a large group
of kind volunteers). No trouble sleeping last night, except when I thought of
the disturbing articles below (all of them recommended by readers). How long
will family life and Christianity survive in HK?
What's
changed in Britain since same-sex marriage?
Johns Hopkins Psychiatrist: Transgender is
'Mental Disorder;' Sex Change 'Biologically Impossible'
Cross
'accidentally' set alight as Chinese officials take it from church
China looks to squeeze Tibetan Buddhism even further
Pro-life
groups in Massachusetts demand that Archbishop stop publicly betraying pro-life
principles
--------------------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Judith
8:
Judith lived in Bethulia. She had been
a widow for 3 years.
She loved God, prayed all the time, and often fasted. When she heard about the situation of Bethulia
she encouraged the elders to keep on trusting God for help.
Dear God, when life gets tough,
help us to keep trusting you
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
126: When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs. What marvels the Lord worked for us.
Indeed we were glad. Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap. They go out, full of tears, carrying seed for
the sowing.
They come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.
Dear God, please bless all
people who are sorrowful as they work
Listen
Hebrews
7.1-28: Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of
God. He blessed Abraham. Abraham gave Melchizedek 10% of all
he had. Melchizedek's priesthood continued down
the ages in people dedicated to the service of God. It reached its
perfection in the Son of God, the Eternal High Priest. The Son of God, our Lord, did not come from
the priestly tribe of Levi. Everyone knows he came from the tribe of Judah.
This is because he established a new
priesthood, coming not from Levi, but from Melchizedek. This is why the
prophecy was made of him "You are a priest of the order of
Melchizedek, for ever". Jesus' priestly power to save us is utterly
certain, since he is living for ever to intercede for all who come to God
through him.
Jesus, Eternal High Priest, please help all
pastors and priests be more like you every day
Listen
Matthew
21.1-11: Jesus sat on a donkey colt for the trip down
the hill
from the Mount of Olives to the city of Jerusalem. This was as a prophet had
predicted:
"Look, your king is coming, humbly riding a peaceful donkey". Big crowds accompanied Jesus down
the hill.
People spread their clothes on the road as a sign of honor. People cut branches from the
trees and waved them singing
"Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of
the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!" People in the city asked
"Who is he?"
The crowd answered "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in
Galilee".
Jesus, may you be warmly welcomed by every place and every person in the world
Listen
Reflection
on the above readings:
A donkey featured at the start of Jesus' life ....as Mary went to visit
Elizabeth ...then to Bethlehem. And a donkey featured at the end of Jesus life
(above Gospel). Jesus' life was "book-ended" by two donkeys!
--------------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
184: Listen
In the face of possible risks to the environment
which may affect the common good now and in the future, decisions must be made
"based on a comparison of the risks and benefits foreseen for the various
possible alternatives".
This is especially the case when a project may lead to a greater use of natural resources, higher levels of emission or discharge, an increase of refuse, or significant changes to the landscape, the habitats of protected species or public spaces.
Some projects, if insufficiently studied, can profoundly affect the quality of life of an area due to very different factors such as unforeseen noise pollution, the shrinking of visual horizons, the loss of cultural values, or the effects of nuclear energy use.
The culture of consumerism, which prioritizes short-term gain and private interest, can make it easy to rubber-stamp authorizations or to conceal information.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
175: Listen
The
study of the sacred Scriptures must be a door opened to every believer.
It is essential that the revealed word radically enrich our catechesis and all our efforts to pass on the faith.
Evangelization demands familiarity with God's word, which calls for dioceses, parishes and Catholic associations to provide for a serious, ongoing study of the Bible, while encouraging its prayerful individual and communal reading.
We do not blindly seek God, or wait for him to speak to us first, for "God has already spoken, and there is nothing further that we need to know, which has not been revealed to us".
Let
us receive the sublime treasure of the revealed word.
-------------------------------------
10
years ago today:
Visit to home of A-Pui & all centers by Australian OMI mission partners Trudy & David
------------------------------------------
As
a loyal Queensland I cannot but admire the courage of the North Queensland
Cowboys who are
now into next weekend's Rugby League Grand Final!
--------------------------------------
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 24th of
the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Ningxia
And
praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 25th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Comoros
And praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Monday,
please pacify I.S.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun Sep 24
Yesterday I stayed home until
nearly 5pm when I left for the regular OMI Sat night meeting at Notre Dame
College in Kowloon City. All day I plugged away at working on prison-related
office jobs, answering mail, email and W'App messages...but by last night I felt
like the guy in the joke ....trying to scrub an elephant with a toothbrush
....he still had most of the job in front of him! The coming NGO "Voice for
Prisoners" will hopefully take over much of my work, but I sometimes think
the war is going to be over before the cavalry arrive(s)!
How
the top-heavy Catholic Church is losing the ground game in China
Plaque
for opening of Mercy Centre for homeless men, Cheung Chau, next Sat, Sep 30
-----------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Sunday 25
Isaiah 54-55: Though the mountains may fall and the hills
turn to dust,
the love of the Lord will never cease. O come to the water, all you are
thirsty,
though you have no money, come. Why spend your money on what is
useless,
your wages on what fails to satisfy? Seek the Lord while he is to be
found.
Call to him while he is near.
Lord, please help us give
more time to things that are important
....and less time to things that are not so important
Psalm
145: I will give you glory, O God my king.
I will bless your name day after day. The Lord is great, worthy of all praise.
His greatness cannot be measured. Age to age shall proclaim your works,
shall speak of your splendor and glory. The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
slow to anger, abounding in love. How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures. All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,
and tell all the world of your love. The Lord is faithful in all his words
and loving in all his deeds. The Lord supports all who fall
and raises all who are bowed down. The eyes of all creatures look to you
and you give them their food each day. The Lord is close to all who call him,
who call on him from their hearts. Let the whole world bless the Lord's holy
name,
for ever, for ages unending.
Thank you, Lord, for your love.
Thank you for your love
Philippians
1.13-25: My chains have become famous and have given
courage to many other believers. Many others are now becoming more daring
in announcing the Message without fear. I hope and trust that I will always have
courage for Christ to be glorified in my body, whether by my life or by my
death. My heart wants to go
two ways. One part wants to depart this world and live for ever with
Christ in heaven. The other part wants to stay in this world to help more
people to know the Lord.
Jesus, give me courage in
spreading the Good News
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. As long as we are alive in this world, God tries to establish/protect/restore/improve our friendship/love for him.
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
183: Listen
Environmental impact assessment should not come
after the drawing up of a business proposition or the proposal of a particular
policy, plan or program.
It should be part of the process from the beginning, and be carried out in a way which is interdisciplinary, transparent and free of all economic or political pressure.
It should be linked to a study of working conditions and possible effects on people's physical and mental health, on the local economy and on public safety.
Economic returns can thus be forecast more realistically, taking into account potential scenarios and the eventual need for further investment to correct possible undesired effects.
A consensus should always be reached between the different stakeholders, who can offer a variety of approaches, solutions and alternatives.
The local population should have a special place at the table; they are concerned about their own future and that of their children, and can consider goals transcending immediate economic interest.
We need to stop thinking in terms of "interventions" to save the environment in favour of policies developed and debated by all interested parties.
The participation of the latter also entails being fully informed about such projects and their different risks and possibilities; this includes not just preliminary decisions but also various follow-up activities and continued monitoring.
Honesty and truth are needed in scientific and political discussions; these should not be limited to the issue of whether or not a particular project is permitted by law.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
174b: Listen
God's word, listened to and
celebrated, above all in the Eucharist, nourishes and inwardly strengthens
Christians, enabling them to offer an authentic witness to the Gospel in daily
life.
We have long since moved beyond that old contraposition between word and sacrament.
The preaching of the word, living and
effective, prepares for the reception of the sacrament, and in the sacrament
that word attains its maximum efficacy.
-------------------------------------
Hour
of Love HK radio program 8.30
pm HK time tonight
- with items about HK prison inmates
-------------------------------------------
Recently
when I was explaining to some friends how I sometimes buy pampers for prison
inmates, I realised that the people listening to me needed an explanation I had
taken for granted: pampers were for the inmates' babies!
--------------------------------------
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 24th
of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Inner
Mongolia
And praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 24th of the month, Jesus
please bless the people of Zambia
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Sunday,
please bless all Muslims in my country
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat Sep 23
After a long day at Lai Chi Kok men's prison yesterday I then attended a happy but long night at Ngau Tak Kok Caritas Centre ...a gathering of Caritas, Vincent de Paul and other groups who care for the poor, led by HK Vicar General Dominic Chan.... ....and I got home very, very late...11.15pm....then did usual nightly recording for Ming Pao newspaper....after which no energy to do a full website menu.
So please excuse this mini-menu for today.
Just one smile: yesterday at LCK a prisoner from Colombia said "Your grandfather has just been to my country". .... Pope Francis has just been to Colombia!
For HK readers: prayer meeting for healing tomorrow, Sunday, 3pm at YMT Catholic Primary School (St Paul's Mass Centre). Everyone welcome.
--------------------------------------
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 23rd
of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Guangxi
And praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the
month:
On this 23rd
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Djibouti
And
praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Saturday,
please pacify the
Taliban
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Fri Sep 22
A-lan
(not his real name), a local Chinese HK 18 year old, was recently sentenced to 6
years in prison (after "cuts") for trafficking in about 200 grams of
drugs. The triad boss he'd worked for since he was 15 set him up. The boss had
been arrested with about 10 grams, but by setting A-lan up with the police, the
boss was released from detention. And it gets worse: when the police arrested A-lan
they said to him "phone someone to bring you 2kg of drugs ...we'll arrest
him ...and we'll let you go".
Mercy (not her real name), an African business lady, mother of 3 young children and 6 months pregnant, was on her fourth trip to HK. An undercover policeman in Wanchai befriended her at a tourist location and asked her to buy 2grams of drugs "from those two Pakistani men over there ...they won't sell to me because I'm Chinese and they might think I'm a policeman". Mercy said "No way". But the policeman badgered her until she gave in and brought the drugs back to him. He immediately arrested her. And at the police station another officer tried to force her to sign an admission of guilt statement. In detention she has not been allowed to phone her husband ("no phone until you've been here a month"). Last night, with Mercy's permission, I phoned her husband to let him know she is safe, but in detention. He was most grateful for the news but said his whole family has been terriby distraught to have had no news as to why Mercy did not return on time on September 9.
What
are the odds that a quake would strike Mexico City on the same date three
decades apart?
Woolworths
omits "Christmas" - Australians react
-------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from Simple
Bible
Judith 7:
Holofernes laid siege against the Israelite
mountain town of Bethulia.
Holofernes seized control of Bethulia's water supply springs,
thinking that thirst would force the Israelites to surrender. For 34 days the siege continued, until the
people of Bethulia were weak from thirst. The people of Bethulia prayed hard to God for
help.
The leaders of Bethulia planned to hold out for 5 more days
before surrendering.
A feeling of hopelessness hung over the town.
God, help of the helpless, please help people who are in big trouble
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
125: Those who put their trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken.
Jerusalem, the mountains surround her,
so the Lord surrounds his people, now and forever.
Lord, please help us be
more aware of your protecting presence
Listen
Hebrews
6.11-19:
May every one of you persevere in your
Christian life.
Never give up. Remember how Abraham persevered in following
God, despite so many difficulties. Take a firm grip on the hope that is held out
to us by God.
This hope is an anchor for us, a lifeline going right up to heaven.
Jesus, you are my anchor. You are my lifeline
Listen
Matthew
20.29-34: As Jesus was leaving Jericho on his way
to Jerusalem,
many people followed him along the road. Sitting by the road were
two men who had become blind.
When they heard that Jesus was going past,
they called out "Son of David, have pity on us." Some people tried to stop them
from calling out,
but they shouted even more loudly "Son of David, have pity on
us." Jesus stopped and said to them
"What do you want me to do for you?" They
replied "Lord, let us see again". Jesus felt sorry for them.
He touched their eyes and straight away their sight returned.
Jesus, please heal my blind friend ....(name)....
Listen
Reflection on the above Bible readings:
Some people tried to stop the bind men from calling out to Jesus ....just like the apostles tried to stop mothers taking their little children to Jesus. Is there anyone who tries to stop me from approaching Jesus? Is there anyone I try to stop from approaching Jesus?
----------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
182: Listen
An assessment of the environmental impact of
business ventures and projects demands transparent political processes involving
a free exchange of views.
On the other hand, the forms of corruption which conceal the actual
environmental impact of a given project, in exchange for favours, usually
produce specious agreements which fail to inform adequately and to allow for
full debate.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
174a: Listen
Not only the homily has
to be nourished by the word of God.
All evangelization is based on that word, listened to, meditated upon, lived, celebrated and witnessed to.
The sacred Scriptures are
the very source of evangelization.
Consequently, we need to be constantly trained in hearing the word.
The Church does not evangelize unless she constantly lets herself be evangelized.
It is indispensable that the word of God "be ever more fully at the heart of every ecclesial activity".
-------------------------------------
10
years ago today:
Saturday morning English at Ricci Memorial Center for primary students
------------------------------------------
Yesterday former HK governor Chris Patten was in HK giving
a talk critical of HK authorities. Meanwhile yesterday in London, HK Chief
Executive Carrie Lam was giving a talk saying that British criticism of HK
authorities was unfair.
--------------------------------------
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 22nd
of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Zheziang
And praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the
month:
On this 22nd of the month, Jesus please bless the
people of Rwanda
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Friday,
please bless all Muslims
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu Sep 21
Yesterday I spent most of the day at Stanley men's prison
....checking information I had obtained in Kuala Lumpur and helping people
prepare for coming court cases. As usual after a day at a prison, I came away
with a load of homework to do ....information to check, support letters to
write, jobs to help legal teams. At the end of the day I kept thinking: if it
all helps reduce the number of people going to prison ....and helps arrested
people get reduced sentences....then it's worthwhile.
The most moving time yesterday was when I visited an elderly African man confined to an isolation cell ....not long after losing his appeal and having his sentenced increased by three months. We just held hands and said the words "God is good"....then had a long chat, going through my Big Fish photos ...including a photo of the BF who recruited him for his trip to HK as a drug mule
"Same-sex
marriage" ballot:
Catholic
students attacked and vilified at University
--------------------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from Simple
Bible
c.f. readings for Feast of St
Matthew
Isaiah 51-52: Pay
attention to me, you peoples. Listen to me, you nations. The islands put their
hope in the Lord. They put their trust in his strength. How beautiful on the
mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace and
salvation, and tells Zion "Your God is king!" Break into shouts of
joy, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord is redeeming his people. All the ends
of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Lord, may more and more people in more and more countries know you and love
you.
My
recording of this reading
Psalm 117: O
Praise the Lord, all you nations. Acclaim him, all you peoples! Strong
is his love for us. He is faithful for ever.
May all the nations love and praise you, Lord
Recording
Ephesians
4.1-16: I implore you to lead a life worthy of
your vocation. Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness,
gentleness and patience. If we live by the truth and in love, we shall become
more and more like Christ. We are parts of the Body of Christ. Christ is the
head. Each part must do its bit to keep the Body healthy and growing in
love.
Jesus, help me understand how the Church is your Body
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 Bible readings:
-------------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
181: Listen Here,
continuity is essential, because policies related to climate change and
environmental protection cannot be altered with every change of government.
Results take time and demand immediate outlays which may not produce tangible effects within any one government's term.
That is why, in the absence of pressure from the public and from civic institutions, political authorities will always be reluctant to intervene, all the more when urgent needs must be met.
To take up these responsibilities and the costs they entail, politicians will inevitably clash with the mindset of short-term gain and results which dominates present-day economics and politics.
But if they are courageous, they will attest to their God-given dignity and leave behind a testimony of selfless responsibility.
A healthy politics is sorely needed, capable of reforming and coordinating institutions, promoting best practices and overcoming undue pressure and bureaucratic inertia.
It should be added, though, that even the best mechanisms can break down when there are no worthy goals and values, or a genuine and profound humanism to serve as the basis of a noble and generous society.
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
173: Listen
Genuine
spiritual accompaniment always begins and flourishes in the context of service
to the mission of evangelization.
Paul's relationship with Timothy and Titus provides an example of this accompaniment and formation which takes place in the midst of apostolic activity.
Entrusting them with the mission of remaining in each city to "put in order what remains to be done", Paul also gives them rules for their personal lives and their pastoral activity.
This
is clearly distinct from every kind of intrusive accompaniment or isolated
self-realization.
Missionary disciples accompany missionary disciples.
-------------------------------------
10 years ago today:
------------------------------------------
In today's Gospel Jesus is in hot water with the religious
leaders for eating with tax collectors and prostitutes. Well, in the area where
I live there are prostitutes everywhere ....and I support groups who reach out
to them. But I have to admit one failure: I've yet to find even one tax
collector!
--------------------------------------
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 21st
of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Yunnan
And
praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 21st of the month, Jesus
please bless the people of Benin
And
praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Thursday,
please pacify Al-Qaeda
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--------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed Sep 20
Yesterday I was at Tai Lam Women's prison from 9.30am to 4.30pm
...heartened by the news that another month has gone by without the arrest of a
female drug mule from Africa or South America at HK airport.
And as I keep working on the Big Picture, I now know of at least three Nigerian Drug Lords in HK - all of them Customs' informers - who have been seen in South America ...recruiting vulnerable women to be drug mules for the trip to HK.
And see
below!
Russian
officer who averted cold war nuclear disaster dies aged 77
--------------------------------------------------------
Chris McDonnell
A
Cold War is being re-heated
Military power has once more become chips stacked on the poker table where world
leaders gather to play a dangerous game
-------------------------------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Judith 6: Holofernes not only ignored Achior's advice, he ridiculed him for
suggesting that the Israelites could resist his army.
Holofernes then handed Achior over to the Israelites "to suffer the
same punishment as they would receive from Holofernes' army."
Dear God, when people ridicule
us for speaking the truth, please give us strength and courage
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
124: "If the Lord had not been on our
side",
this is Israel's song. If the Lord had not been on our side
when people rose against us, then would they have swallowed us alive
when they were angry with us. Blessed be the Lord who did not let us become
a prey for their teeth. Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the hunter. Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
Thank you, Lord,
for all the times you have rescued me from trouble
Listen
Hebrews
4.12-16: The word of God is something alive and active.
It goes deep into our hearts. In Jesus we have the supreme high priest who
is now in the highest heaven. He knows how weak we are. He himself was
tempted in every way, but did not sin. Let us be confident in approaching his throne
of grace.
He will give us grace when we are in need of help.
Jesus, our high priest, help me when I'm weak
Listen
Matthew
20.20-28:
The brothers James and John were two of Jesus'
disciples.
One day their mother said to Jesus
"When you become king, allow my sons to sit at your right and
left". Jesus said to James
and John
"Only my Father in heaven can allocate seats on my right and
left". The 10 other disciples were angry
at James and John for seeking honor. So Jesus said to them all
"In most places, people in power like to dominate and control others.
But this is not to be your way of exercising authority. You must exercise authority by
serving others, not dominating them,
just as I came not to be served, but to serve,
and to give my life as a ransom for the world".
Jesus, please help me want to help and serve
other people,
not dominate and control them
Listen
Reflection
on the above readings:
An
interesting quote I saw recently...suggested by today's Gospel: "In
any conflict, the issue is not the issue ...but power/control"
-------------------------------------------------------
Pope's
letter on climate change: Laudato Si 我主應受讚美
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
180: Listen There
are no uniform recipes, because each country or region has its own problems and
limitations.
It is also true that political realism may call for transitional measures and technologies, so long as these are accompanied by the gradual framing and acceptance of binding commitments.
At the same time, on the national and local levels, much still needs to be done, such as promoting ways of conserving energy.
These would include favouring forms of industrial production with maximum energy efficiency and diminished use of raw materials, removing from the market products which are less energy efficient or more polluting, improving transport systems, and encouraging the construction and repair of buildings aimed at reducing their energy consumption and levels of pollution.
Political activity on the local level could also be directed to modifying consumption, developing an economy of waste disposal and recycling, protecting certain species and planning a diversified agriculture and the rotation of crops.
Agriculture in poorer regions can be improved through investment in rural infrastructures, a better organization of local or national markets, systems of irrigation, and the development of techniques of sustainable agriculture.
New forms of cooperation and community organization can be encouraged in order to defend the interests of small producers and preserve local ecosystems from destruction.
Truly, much can be done!
------------------------------------
Pope Francis: The
Joy of the Gospel
Full
English text Full
Chinese text
172: Listen
One who
accompanies others has to realize that each person's situation before God and
their life in grace are mysteries which no one can fully know from without.
The Gospel tells us to correct others and to help them to grow on the basis of a recognition of the objective evil of their actions, but without making judgments about their responsibility and culpability.
Someone good at such accompaniment does not give in to frustrations or fears.
He or she invites others to let themselves be healed, to take up their mat, embrace the cross, leave all behind and go forth ever anew to proclaim the Gospel.
Our
personal experience of being accompanied and assisted, and of openness to those
who accompany us, will teach us to be patient and
compassionate with others, and to find the right way to gain their trust, their
openness and their readiness to grow.
-------------------------------------
Yesterday after I arrived at Tai Lam Women's prison, I
went as usual for a toilet break, which led to a break I hadn't anticipated...a
broken fly zip. Usually I carry a small safety pin in my wallet, but yesterday
it wasn't there. So I asked staff if anyone had a safety pin ...and they pointed
out that in prisons a safety pin is not safe! So I gave thanks for the fact that
I wear my shirts hanging out which hid my problem while I was standing ...and
when I sat down to talk to inmates I made sure to have my shoulder bag or a
folder on my lap!
--------------------------------------
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 20th
of
the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Sichuan
And praying for one of
the world's poorest
countries each day of the month:
On this 20th of the month, Jesus please
bless the people of Gambia
And praying for one
Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Wednesday,
please pacify Al-Shabaab
---------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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the King.
The official launching
was
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2012.
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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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