V2Catholic.Com

V2Catholic.com A voice for the poor by HK prison chaplain胡頌恆神父Fr John Wotherspoon O.M.I.Dr Jesus Centre 187 Temple St Jordanjdwomi@gmail.com +852 67095674
Imitating Pope Francis 78

My other sites/links

Tues Aug 11

Today is the 2nd birthday of Kolbe, named in honor of St Maximilian Kolbe whose feastday is August 14. Kolbe is good at dancing!

Pope's AI letter

73. Having considered the common good and subsidiarity, I would like to reflect on the principle of solidarity. This emerges from a vision of the human person generated by faith, namely that every human being is created in the image of God and is part of a network of relationships that bind him or her to others, to specific populations and to creation. Saint Paul VI observed that the obligations of solidarity, justice and charity are rooted in the human and supernatural fraternal bonds that unite individuals and populations. [98] Fraternity is not merely an aspiration of believers, but is a social and political reality to be embodied in communal choices and endeavors. Solidarity, then, is the concrete recognition that the future of each individual is connected to the future of all; indeed, “no one is saved alone.” [99] The close link between subsidiarity and solidarity thereby becomes evident. When subsidiarity is not linked to solidarity, it ends up becoming merely the protection of particular interests; when solidarity is not supported by subsidiarity, it degenerates into a form of welfare that does not foster responsibility. [100] This interconnectedness also pertains to the responsibility of authentic participation. Solidarity is expressed when each person, both individually and collectively, takes part in the life of the community — by staying informed, engaging with others, making their voice heard and contributing to public decisions and choices — while also assuming real responsibility so that the common good is achieved through shared decision-making.

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

Numbers 26 & 27: Moses made a census of all the men in the community. The total number was 624,730. Moses also gave a ruling concerning inheritance: "If a man dies without sons, his inheritance is to pass to his daughters. If he has no daughter, the inheritance is to go to his brothers. If he has no brother, it is to go to his father's brothers. If his father has no brothers,
it is to go to the member of his clan who is his closest relative".
As Moses neared the end of his life, he asked God for someone to succeed him as leader. God answered: "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom the spirit dwells. Lay your hands on him, then bring him before Eleazar the priest and the whole community so that everyone will obey him".
Dear God, please bless all my relatives...and people in authority
01 02

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

Acts 20.28-38: Paul continued "You elders are the leaders of the Church of God. Be on your guard against bad leaders trying to mislead people. Remember my example. I never asked anyone for money or clothes. You know how my work as a tentmaker earned enough to support my companions and me. Remember Jesus' words There is more happiness in giving than in receiving". When he finished speaking, he knelt down with them and prayed. Then they took him to the ship
Jesus, please help Gospel workers imitate Paul
Listen

John 18.28-40: The religious leaders took Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied "My kingdom is not a kingdom of this world. But I am a king. I came into this world to bear witness to the truth". After further questioning, Pilate said to the leaders "I find no case against him, so how about I release him according to the custom of releasing one prisoner at Passover? At this the leaders shouted "Not this man, but Barabbas".
Barabbas was a bandit
Jesus, help me be a better witness to good values
Listen

Reflection on the above readings: Today's Gospel is the ultimate example of someone speaking truth to power

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Pls make sure to watch the Kolbe video at top of this menu!

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

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

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 11th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Jiangsu

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

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Tuesday, please pacify Boko Haram

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Mon Aug 10

Aug 9 was 81st anniversary of atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Moving reflection by Fr Jerry O.M.I.who has served in Japan for 61 years

Interview by Fr Patrick Taverine with Cardinal John Tong - about the Cardinal's autobiography

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Israel rejects Trump's Gaza plan

Pope's AI letter

72. In this context, States and transnational institutions are called to ensure fair rules and effective safeguards, so that local communities, intermediary organizations, schools, universities, religious institutions and associations have a voice and can contribute to the discernment of choices that affect people’s daily lives, such as employment, access to services, data management and digital environments. When it comes to decisions regarding economic flows and digital platforms, as well as the governance of data and algorithms, we cannot allow a handful of actors to dictate these processes on their own; instead, we must build forms of cooperation that respect the various levels of the global community and make them jointly responsible for the common good. [97]

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

Numbers 25: For a while the Israelites settled in the area of Shittim. In that place the Israelite men gave themselves over to debauchery with the women of Midian. The Israelites joined these women in sacrifices to local idols. God therefore sent a plague to punish the Israelites and thousands of people died. God commanded Moses to execute Israelites who had taken part in sacrifices to local idols. Phinehas the priest, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron showed his loyalty and zeal by personally executing one of the main offenders, at a time when most people didn't care what was happening.
Dear God, please help us to care about what goes on around us and what is happening in the world
My recording of this reading

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
Listen

Acts 20.22-24: Paul continued "Now you see me a prisoner already in spirit. I am on my way to Jerusalem, and have no idea what will happen to me there. The Holy Spirit has made it clear that imprisonment and persecution await me there. But life to me is not a thing to waste words on. What matters is that when I finish my race, I have carried out the mission the Lord Jesus gave me - to bear witness to the Good News of God's grace"
Jesus, please help me live a worthwhile life
Listen

John 18.19-27: The main religious leader interrogated Jesus about his teaching. Jesus told him "I have spoken openly in prayer halls and in the Temple. I have said nothing in secret. The people can tell you what I said". At these words, one of the guards slapped Jesus in the face, saying "Don't speak to the leader like that". Jesus replied "If I said something wrong, point it out. But if there was nothing wrong with my words, why did you hit me?" Meanwhile Peter was outside in the courtyard, keeping warm by a fire. Three times he was asked by different people if he was a disciple of Jesus. Three times he replied "I am not". After his third denial, a rooster crowed
Jesus, on trial before the leaders, please bless everyone on trial today, in every country
Listen

Reflection on the above readings: Non-violence, non-retaliation doesn't exclude speaking up in the face of evil

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Yesterday was the hottest day ever in HK!

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

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

Jesus, today, Monday, please bless the people of Europe & Russia

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

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

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Monday, please pacify I.S.

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Sun Aug 9

Wanted: A kind person, or kind group, to sponsor the Dr Jesus Centre in Temple Street, by covering the monthly rent of HK$9,500 for one year, as part of my hope to find sponsors for our centres .... in order to put MercyHK on a more solid financial foundation ... now that we have become a sizeable NGO helping an increasing number of needy people. For more information pls contact me: jdwomi@gmail.com w/app: (+852) 67095674.

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Violence driving Christians out of Holy Land

Pope's AI letter

71. The principle of subsidiarity applies especially in the context of the digital revolution. Here, the highest level is not the State, but rather major economic and technological actors that exercise de facto power over the conditions of everyday life. This level, which monopolizes expertise, data and decision-making authority, involves companies and platforms that define conditions for access, rules of visibility, forms of interaction, and even economic opportunities. The principle of subsidiarity requires that such processes not be imposed from above in an opaque and unilateral manner, but instead be directed toward the common good with transparency, accountability and meaningful forms of participation (including independent checks, transparency regarding algorithms, equitable access to data and avenues for recourse).

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

c.f. readings for Sunday 19

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

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

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

Matthew 14.22-33: After feeding the crowd with 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus told his disciples to go by boat across the nearby lake. Jesus stayed to send the crowds away. Then he went up into the hills to pray. When darkness came, the boat was far from land, but it was battling large waves caused by a strong head-wind. Jesus then walked on the water towards the boat. He called out to his disciples "Courage. It is I. Don't be afraid." Peter answered "Lord, if it is you, tell me to walk on the water to you." Jesus said "Come". Peter then started walking on the water, but he became afraid and began to sink. "Lord, save me" he called out. Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to keep walking on the water. "Man of little faith, why did you doubt?" asked Jesus. As they got into the boat, the wind stopped. The men in the boat bowed to Jesus and said "You really are the Son of God".
Jesus, please help me not to lose faith in you
Recording

Reflection on the above readings:

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

Bible Claret Reflection

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To go with today's Gospel .... impulsive Peter ... asking to walk on water ... I can just see the smile on Jesus' face as he says "Come", knowing that Peter is about to go swimming.

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

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

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 9th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Henan

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

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

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Sat Aug 8

Every school day Mary's Meals provides a meal at school for more than 3 million children in poor parts of the world. MercyHK is a monthly donor supporter of Mary's Meals. Readers of this blog are warmly invited to join a very special function on Sep 12:

Pope's AI letter

70. This principle encourages us to move beyond any form of paternalistic or welfare-based management of societal life, but instead to promote a culture of shared responsibility in a State that values citizens’ initiative, and a civil society capable of forging bonds and mobilizing energies in the service of the common good. In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, decisions are made at the closest level possible to the persons involved, thereby fostering community life and avoiding people being presented with decisions that have already been taken. In this way people can participate in the decision-making process. When families, associations, local communities, volunteer organizations and those in the so-called “third sector” are recognized and supported, social life becomes more accessible to people, services become more attuned to real needs, and solutions are more creative and respectful of the dignity of each person.

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

Numbers 23 & 24: When Balaam came to the king of Moab, the king again tried to get Balaam to curse the Israelites. But Balaam followed God's words and said: "How can I curse people that God does not curse? These people are specially blessed by God. How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob. How lovely are your dwellings, O Israel. From you will come a mighty one who will reign over countless peoples. A star from Jacob will be leader".
Dear God, please bless the Jewish people with peace and love
My recording of this reading

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

Acts 20.17-21: Paul's journey took him to Meletus where he met the elders of the church from Ephesus. He said to them. "You know what my way of life has been from the first day I arrived among you. I have served the Lord in all humility, facing all the sorrows and trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. I have not hesitated to do anything that would be helpful to you.
I have preached to you and instructed you, both in public and in your homes, urging everyone to believe in our Lord Jesus"
Jesus, please help me be a bit more like Saint Paul
Listen

Luke 22.54-62: The men who arrested Jesus took him to the home of the main religious leader. Peter followed at a distance. As Peter sat by a fire in the courtyard, a servant-girl said "This man was with Jesus". Peter replied "Woman I do not know him". A little while later, another person said "You are one of them". Peter replied "I am not". About an hour later, a man said "He was certainly with them. He is from Galilee". Peter replied "I do not know what you are talking about". While he was still speaking, a rooster crowed, and the Lord looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered what the Lord had said, "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times". Peter went outside and cried bitterly
Jesus, don't let me ever deny that I know you
Listen

Reflection on the above readings: Moses, David, Peter, Paul ... all had backgrounds that kept them humble for the rest of their lives

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Typhoon Dim-sum?

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

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

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 8th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Heilongjiang

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

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Saturday, please pacify the Taliban

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Fri Aug 7

Wednesday, the Feast of the Transfiguration, I really enjoyed watching The Transfiguration!

Yesterday morning I went to the High Court to submit a bail application ... which will be heard next Thursday

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Israeli murder of journalists in Lebanon was a war crime - rights groupsGOs

Pope's AI letter

69. Starting with Leo XIII and the beginnings of modern social teaching, the Church has insisted that neither the individual nor the family should be subsumed by the State, but should be allowed to act freely, as far as possible, without harming the common good. [92] Saint John Paul II took up and developed this perspective, noting that the political community is at the service of civil society and that the State must protect the common good, intervening when necessary, but without permanently supplanting the responsibilities of intermediary organizations and social institutions. [93] Subsidiarity does not justify the State’s disengagement, but rather guides its actions. Indeed, public intervention is necessary precisely to enable all social actors to fulfill their mission without being stifled. It is the responsibility of the political community to create the conditions that allow individuals, families, associations and intermediary organizations to fulfil their mission in society, without being replaced or reduced to mere facilitators.

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

Numbers 21 & 22: As the Israelites continued their journey, a number of kings did battle with them. One of these was Og, king of Bashan. God said to Moses: "Do not be afraid of him, for I have given him into your power". Israel then easily defeated Og and occupied his land. The king of Moab also wanted to attack the Israelites, but before attacking, he consulted Balaam son of Beor who was a type of prophet and could see the future. Several times the king asked Balaam to curse the Israelites, but each time he blessed them, because this is what God told him to do: "You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed". The king then summoned Balaam to his presence. Balaam began his journey to the king, travelling on a donkey. God sent an angel with a sword to block Balaam's way. The donkey could see the angel, so she left the road to make a detour. Balaam hit her and made her return to the road. On the road the donkey again saw the angel and just lay down on the road. Balaam was very angry and hit her with a stick.

Then God made the donkey speak: "Why did you hit me? Haven't I always been faithful to you?" God now opened Balaam's eyes and he saw the angel with a sword. Balaam realized that the donkey had saved his life. The angel then told Balaam to continue his journey but to say to the king only what God said to say.
Dear God, please stop people from being cruel to animals
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Psalm 118: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love has no end. Let the sons of Israel say: "His love has no end." Let those who honor the Lord say: "His love has no end." It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. I was falling, falling, falling, but the Lord was my helper. The Lord is my strength and my song. He is my saviour. The Lord's right hand has triumphed. His right hand has raised me up. I shall not die, I shall live and recount all his deeds. The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes. This day was made by the Lord. We rejoice and are glad.
Lord, we give thanks to you, for you are good. Your love has no end
Listen

Acts 20.7-12 : In the city of Troas Paul and his group joined the local believers for the Breaking of Bread one Saturday night. Paul's sermon went on till the middle of the night. As Paul went on and on, a young man who was sitting on the window-sill, went to sleep and fell to the ground three floors below. He was dead when they picked him up. Paul went down to the boy and prayed over him. The boy came back to life. Paul kept on talking till dawn. That same day he left Troas
Jesus, is it ok if I pray that someone who has died will come back to life?
Listen

Luke 22.47-53: While Jesus was speaking, a group of men arrived, led by Judas. One of Jesus' apostles used his sword to cut off the right ear of one of the men sent to arrest Jesus. Jesus told his apostles not to use their swords. Then touching the man's ear, he healed him. Jesus said to the men arresting him "This is your hour. This is the reign of darkness"
Jesus, you gave up your freedom for our salvation.
Listen

Reflection on the above Bible readings: Jesus in today's Gospel ... a powerful example of non-violence

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Last night I had the joy of baptizing someone very special in a local hospital

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

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

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 7th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Hebei

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 7th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Burkina Faso

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

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Thu Aug 6

Let's remember what happened 81 years ago today in Hiroshima:

Conclusion of P. Ham: H & N:

The final lines on fourth page, above, have relevance for today's genocide in Gaza: one atrocity does not justify another atrocity

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I enjoyed this: The woman at the well ... who had 5 husbands

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Funeral for 112 - including 44 children - found in Gaza rubble *** Oil companies US$93bn profit from Iran attack

Pope's AI letter

68. The principle of subsidiarity stems from the very same understanding of the human person that has guided our reflection on dignity and the common good. If every woman and man is called to take ownership of his or her own life and to contribute to the formation of society, then social institutions must also respect and support this responsibility. The Social Doctrine of the Church refers to subsidiarity as the principle according to which the role of individuals, families, local communities and intermediary organizations should not be supplanted by higher-level authorities. Moreover, higher-level institutions must recognize, protect and promote the freedom and creativity of lower-level entities, coordinating their contributions so that they can cooperate effectively for the common good.

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

c.f. readings for Feast of the Transfiguration

Daniel 7: Once when Daniel was asleep, he had a vision of heaven: "Thrones were put in place and one of great age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, his hair as pure as wool. A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. Then coming on the clouds of heaven was one like a son of man. On him was conferred glory and kingship, and people of all nations became his servants. His kingship is eternal. His empire will never be destroyed."
Jesus, please help me understand that you are the "Son of Man" whose kingship is eternal
My recording of this reading

Psalm 97: The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, the many coastlands be glad. Cloud and darkness are his robes. His throne is justice and goodness. The skies proclaim his goodness. All peoples see his glory. Let those who serve idols be ashamed. Let all creation worship the Creator. Light shines forth for good people. and joy for the upright of heart. Rejoice in the Lord, all good people. Give glory to his holy name.
Lord, you indeed are God of the universe
Recording

2 Peter 1.12-18: As long as I am in this passing world, my duty is to keep on reminding you of the truths we hold dear. Writing this letter is one way of making sure that after my departure you will still have a way of recalling the truths we hold dear. These truths are not cleverly invented myths. I myself saw the majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was honored and glorified by God the Father, when the Sublime Glory himself spoke to him and said "This is my Son, the Beloved. He enjoys my favor". I heard this myself, spoken from heaven, when I was with Jesus on the holy mountain.
Jesus, Beloved Son, may more and more people accept the truth of your Good News
Recording

Matthew 17.1-8: One day Jesus took his disciples Peter, James and John up a high mountain. On the mountain Jesus' whole appearance changed. His face shone like the sun. His clothes were as white as snow. The prophets Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with him. Peter said to Jesus "Lord, how good it is for us to be here!" Then a bright cloud covered them with its shadow. From the cloud came a voice: "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him." The disciples bowed to the ground. When they got up, they saw only Jesus in his normal appearance.
Jesus, Beloved Son of God, how good it is to spend time with you in prayer.
Recording

Reflection on the above readings:

May today's Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus give us hope and courage to do whatever we can to help transform our troubled word into a better place

A beautiful song about the Transfiguration: We Behold

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This dog video makes everyone smile!

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

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

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 6th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Hainan

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 6th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Mali

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

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Wed Aug 5

Yesterday morning at the Dr Jesus Centre in Temple Street there was the bi-monthly meeting for MercyHK staff. At the same centre in the afternoon I attended an interview with a reporter from the HK Economic Journal ... a reporter who was a student at Yau Ma Tei Catholic Primary School!

Pope's AI letter

67. Today, among the goods that are universally intended for everyone, we must also include new forms of property, such as patents, algorithms, digital platforms, technological infrastructure and data. In a context where the wealth of nations depends increasingly on knowledge and technology, when these goods remain concentrated in the hands of a few, without adequate forms of sharing and access, a new imbalance is created that contradicts the universal destination of goods. In turn, it widens the gap between the included and the excluded, between those who can participate in the digital revolution and those who remain on the margins. Furthermore, care for our common home and our responsibility toward the poor and future generations require that the use of the goods of creation and the new possibilities offered by technology be regulated in such a way as to respect the environment, avoid waste and prevent new forms of exploitation.

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

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".
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
Listen

Acts 19.23 - 20.1: In Ephesus there was a silversmith who employed many craftsmen making shrines of the local idol, Diana. The silversmith called a meeting of the city's silversmiths and said to them "Not just here in Ephesus, but in many parts of the region, this man Paul has converted many people with his argument that gods made by hand are not gods at all. This is a threat to our trade". A mob was formed and dragged two of Paul's companions to a local theatre. The town clerk eventually calmed the mob and dismissed them. By now Paul had decided to leave Ephesus. He went to Greece and spent three months there
Jesus, please help people give up the worship of idols made by human hands
Listen

Matthew 26.30 - 46: After their last meal, Jesus said to his apostles "Tonight all of you will desert me". Peter said "I will never desert you". Jesus replied "Tonight before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times". They came to a place with olive trees called Gethsemane. Jesus took Peter, James and John to a part of that area and asked them to pray with him. Jesus was overcome with sadness and fear. He said to them "Sadness is filling my heart, as if my heart is dying. Please support me as I pray." Then he fell on his face and prayed for about an hour: "Father, don't let this suffering continue. But your will be done". He stood up and found that the apostles were asleep. He said to them "Couldn't you stay awake one hour to support me?" Three times he prayed the same way. Three times the apostles went to sleep. Then he said "Get ready. The one who is betraying me is coming".
Jesus, please help me give more time to prayer
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Reflection on the above readings: Why did Jesus have to suffer? Maybe in order to give the greatest possible evidence of love for humanity ... to make it as difficult as possible to say "No" to his love

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To go with above Gospel: Peter was good at sleeping ... even in prison with threat of execution the next day he ... slept

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

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

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 5th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guizhou

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 5th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of South Sudan

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

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Anti-drug campaign trips:

Europe:
Many reports of 2026 trip here (Jan 6 - Feb 7)

Africa:

2020: My trip to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg

Jan 1, 2020: How cocaine trafficking is impacting West Africa

2017: My trip to Southern Africa, Dubai ( The Last Run)

April 4, 2016: BBC video report (3 mins) about East African drug mules going to HK ...and my anti-drug campaign

2016: My trip to Kenya, Uganda

2015: My trip to Tanzania, Malawi

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Latin America:

2019-05-10: No More Mules Peru FB boost 199,000 views!

2019-01-20: Article in El Pais, Uruguay - 01 02

2018-09-18: No More Mules Facebook campaign - more than 300,000 people reached in Venezuela

2018: My trip to Latin America

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South East Asia:

Aug 16, 2020: CNN - Indonesian women recruited to take drugs to Hong Kong

Oct 23, 2019: FM988 Breakfast program in Kuala Lumpur at which I was a guest

June 2019: My campaign featured in The Malaysia Drug Trade (6 written reports & documentary video)

2019-03-25: Eleven HK01 video and photo reports about Malaysian drug mules arrested in HK- here (one of the reports is about my anti-drug campaign).

Dec 2018 - My Jan 2019 trip to Malaysia

2018: My trip to Thailand and Cambodia

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