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,
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Pope Francis
MercyHK
This
website's anti-drug campaign saves people from going to prison in HK
See & share inmates' letters!
How
campaign began
HK
Indon
Kenya
Malaysia
Nigeria 
Ph 
SA 
S.Amer
Thai
Tz
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EU
HK:how
long prison for trafficking?
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Name
& shame
JesusTower
GoodNewsForPoor
Dr
Jesus
China8
SimpleBible
MatteoRicci
I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2021!
Tues Dec 29
Yesterday morning, after a usual 10am McDonald's meeting with Simon my social work assistant, I went to the Open University of HK to register some prisoners for correspondence courses. Then to Notre Dame College in Ma Tau Wei for an O.M.I. Christmas meeting.... at which I heard the good news that the Oblates are planning to open a second hand shop in the nearby To Kwa Wan area, similar to MercyHK's second hand shop at 191 Temple Street, Jordan.
The story of 49 year old Adans Wong in
this article explains why the number of homeless people in HK is
rapidly increasing
Pope Francis - Fratelli
Tutti:
81. Jesus asks us to be present to those in
need of help, regardless of whether or not they belong to our social group. In
this case, the Samaritan became a neighbour to the wounded Judean. By
approaching and making himself present, he crossed all cultural and historical
barriers. Jesus concludes the parable by saying: "Go and do
likewise" (Lk 10:37). In other words, he challenges us to put aside
all differences and, in the face of suffering, to draw near to others with no
questions asked. I should no longer say that I have neighbours to help, but that
I must myself be a neighbour to others.
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Proverbs
27-29: Do not boast about tomorrow,
since you do not know what will happen today. Let others praise you,
but do not praise yourself. Better open reproof
than voiceless love. From one who loves, wounds are
well-intentioned.
From one who hates, kisses are ominous. He who admits his faults will prosper.
He who confesses and renounces his faults will find mercy. A roaring lion, a hungry bear,
such is a bad ruler of a poor people.
Lord, please help me practise
the ideas in these words
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
23: The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I
shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. He guides me along the right path. He is true
to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me
comfort. You have prepared a banquet for me in the
sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil. My cup is overflowing. Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for ever
and ever.
Thank you, Lord, for being my
good shepherd
Listen
Philippians
2.5-11: O Lord, unite us in your love,
and keep our minds in you. O Lord, unite us in your love,
and keep our minds in you. Though you were God in state divine,
you did not cling to what you were.
No, you shed your glory's shine
so as to live just like a slave.
O Lord, unite us in your love,
and keep our minds in you.
You came on earth in human form
and you shared our troubled life.
A humbler man there never was,
even in death obedient.
Yes, Lord, death upon a cross,
yes, upon a cross.
Therefore are you raised on high
and you have the name of names.
At that name should bend the knee
and tongue confess: Jesus Christ is
LORD.
And tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD.
And tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD.
To the glory of God the Father
Listen
Matthew
14.34-36:
When Jesus got out of the boat on the other
side of the lake,
people recognized him and news of his presence spread quickly. From all around that area, sick people were
brought to him.
The sick people just wanted to touch his clothing.
All those who touched his clothing were healed
Jesus, please heal my sick
friends (..names..) by letting them,
through prayer, touch your clothing
Listen
Reflection
on the above readings: Yesterday
I saw a blind couple ....both using red and white walking sticks to guide them
along the footpath. Jesus, please heal them!
------------------------------
Yesterday I walked from the Open University to Notre Dame
(about 30 mins) ... in beautiful 24 degree sunshine under a lovely blue sky. BUT
.... the weather forecast is
that in a few days' time the temperature will drop to 7 degrees!
-------------------------------
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 29th
of
the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Chongqing
And praying for one of
the world's poorest countries
each day of the month:
On this 29th of the month, Jesus
please bless the people of Mauritania
And praying for one
Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Tuesday,
please pacify Boko
Haram
----------------------------
----------------------------
Merry Christmas! I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2021!
Mon Dec 28
Yesterday during lunch I watched another great talk: Sleep
is your superpower (the benefits of 8 hours sleep; the dangers from lack of
sleep). This video guaranteed to put you to sleep!
This is a huge topic. Department of Justice is following
Beijing's orders. Now
Beijing is trying to force the HK Judiciary to follow suit. Not so
easy. High Court refused. What will Court of Appeal decide on Dec 31? Maybe it
will reserve its judgment? Question is not whether one supports Jimmy Lai or
not. Question is should Judiciary do whatever government tells it to do?
This is an outstanding example of good journalism: not one-sided,
giving credit where credit is due, wonderful English and great humour! Day
2 of Australia-India cricket test in Melbourne
Pope Francis - Fratelli
Tutti:
Neighbours
without borders:
80. Jesus told the parable of the Good
Samaritan in answer to the question: Who is my neighbour? The word "neighbour",
in the society of Jesus' time, usually meant those nearest us. It was felt that
help should be given primarily to those of one's own group and race. For some
Jews of that time, Samaritans were looked down upon, considered impure. They
were not among those to be helped. Jesus, himself a Jew, completely transforms
this approach. He asks us not to decide who is close enough to be our neighbour,
but rather that we ourselves become
neighbours to all.
------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Proverbs
25-26: Cloud and wind, but no rain.
Such is the person who makes a lot of promises
but doesn't keep them. Don't over-tax your neighbor's hospitality. If people who don't like you are hungry or
thirsty,
give them something to eat or drink.
In this way you will shame them into being better people. Rain comes by the north wind.
A ravaged face comes from a backbiting tongue. An open town, without
defences.
Such is a person lacking self-control. As a dog returns to its vomit
so foolish people return to their folly. Interfering in the quarrels of other people
is like catching a stray dog by the tail. No wood, and the fire goes out.
No talebearer, and quarrelling dies down.
Lord, please stop me from
being critical of other people
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
I call to you for help, but day and night you give no reply. I am a worm and not a man.
Everyone who sees me makes fun of me. They taunt me: "He trusted in the
Lord, why doesn't the Lord help him?" Like water I am poured out, my bones no longer
connected.
My throat is parched, my tongue sticks to my jaws. Many evil people attack me.
They make holes in my hands and my feet.
They await my death. They divide my clothing among them,
they throw a dice for my robe. Yet I know Lord, that you are good and
holy.
I know how you heard the cries of our ancestors and you helped them. It was you who took me from the womb
and entrusted me to my mother's breast.
To you I was committed from my birth,
from my mother's womb you have been my God. Lord, I trust in you even now.
I trust you will not scorn my prayer. Even now I praise you as my Creator.
May all the nations know and worship you.
Lord, please help people who
are in big trouble right now,
especially people whose lives are in danger
Listen
Philippians
1.27- 2.4: Avoid anything in your
everyday lives that would be unworthy of the Good News of Christ. Be united in your
convictions, and united in your love.
There must be no competition among you, no conceit. Everyone should be
self-effacing.
Always regard others as better than yourself. Put others interests
before your own.
Jesus, help me say
"no" to anything unworthy of your Good News
Listen
For
today's Feast
of the Holy Innocents:
Matthew 2.13-23: After
the wise men left Bethlehem, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said
"Go quickly to Egypt, because Herod wants to kill the child". That
same night, Joseph got up and set out for Egypt with Mary and Jesus. Herod was
angry after being tricked by the wise men. He
got his soldiers to kill all baby boys two years old or younger in Bethlehem.
After Herod died some months later, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and
told him to return to Israel. Joseph, Mary and Jesus moved to the town of
Nazareth, thus fulfilling the prophecy about the Saviour: "He will be
called a Nazarene".
Jesus, you were once a refugee. Please bless all refugees in the world today
Recording
Reflection on the above readings: Today, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, is a day of prayer for the Unborn, for the protection of life in the womb ... c.f. Pope Francis: Say "Yes" to life
-------------------------
There
was a power failure for a couple of hours yesterday in several buildings of
Temple Street, including mine. Apparently an aging underground cable had
"called it a day". One of the ground floor shops affected was a
ladies' hairdressing business .... where a number of customers were half way
through their procedures and emerged into the light of the footpath for
emergency treatment by the staff!
--------------------
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 28th of
the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Beijing
And
praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 28th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Lesotho
And praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Monday,
please pacify I.S.
-----------------------
----------------------
Merry Christmas! I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2021!
Sun Dec 27
Yesterday while doing office jobs, I put on some TED talks as
background. One of them stopped my office work and got my whole attention ...
and laughs: Learning
from a barefoot movement (...and see 
below!)
If you think you have a difficult Covid-19 life, check this
O.M.I. report from Western Sahara
Pope Francis - Fratelli
Tutti:
79. The Samaritan who stopped along the way departed
without expecting any recognition or gratitude. His effort to assist
another person gave him great satisfaction in life and before his God, and thus
became a duty. All of us have a responsibility for the wounded, those of our own
people and all the peoples of the earth. Let us care for the needs of every man
and woman, young and old, with the same fraternal spirit of care and closeness
that marked the Good Samaritan.
------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Feast of Holy Family
Sirach
1-3: All wisdom
comes from God. Love for God is the source of wisdom. If you desire wisdom, keep
the Lord's commandments, in private as well as in public. Keep
the commandment to honor your parents. Respect for your father will atone
for your sins. Honor for your mother will gain you blessings. Support your
father in his old age. Even if his mind should fail, show him kindness. Do not
despise him in your health and strength. Be gentle in the way you live your
life. The greater you are, the more humbly you should behave.
Dear God, please help me always respect and honor my parents
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
128: O blessed are those who love
the Lord and walk in his ways. By the labor of your hands you shall eat. You
will be happy and prosper: your wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your
house; your children like shoots of the olive, around your table. Indeed thus
shall be blessed the people who love and honor the Lord. May the Lord bless you
from Zion all the days of your life. May
you see your children's children in a happy Jerusalem! On
Israel, peace!
Dear Lord, may all married people live to see their children's children
Listen
Colossians
3-4: Wives
and husbands, understand and support each other. Children,
be obedient to your parents. Parents,
treat your children fairly or else they will rebel. Slaves, be obedient and
respectful to your owners. Offer up your work to the Lord, our Heavenly Owner.
Owners, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember your Heavenly Owner.
Jesus, help families to live together in harmony
Listen
Matthew
2.13-23: After
the wise men left Bethlehem, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said
"Go quickly to Egypt,
because Herod wants to kill the child". That same night, Joseph
got up and set out for Egypt with Mary and Jesus. Herod was angry after
being tricked by the wise men. He got his soldiers to kill all baby boys two
years old or younger in Bethlehem. After Herod died some months later, an angel
appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to return to Israel. Joseph, Mary and
Jesus moved to the town of Nazareth, thus fulfilling the prophecy about the
Saviour: "He will be called a Nazarene".
Jesus, you were once a refugee. Please bless all refugees in the world today
Listen
Reflection on the above readings: Today's Gospel reminds us that some/many asylum seekers are genuine refugees .... fleeing danger .... and according to Catholic Church teaching .... we have a responsibility to help them
Video
commentary on today's readings - in Italian, Chinese, English, and
Spanish
(+
Cantonese audio)
Bible Study: Feast of the Holy Family
-------------------------------
Hour
of Love HK radio program 8.30
pm HK time tonight
- with items about HK prison inmates
-------------------------------
The
Indian cricket team is currently
in Australia. Watched by hundreds of millions in India ....and closely followed
by the Indian community in HK .... some of whom know I am from Australia ... and
will not be slow to remind me that India
took the honors on day one of the Boxing Day Test which began yesterday in
Melbourne
------------------------------
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 27th
of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Tibet
And praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 27th of the month, Jesus
please bless the people of Uganda
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Sunday,
please bless all Muslims in my country
-----------------------
----------------------
Merry
Christmas! I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2021!
Sat Dec 26
Good King Wenceslas with lyrics - a famous Dec 26 story about helping the poor ....which makes me remember the example of the late Archbishop Frank Rush of Brisbane who literally put on an apron and served the poor at the grotty St Vincent's Hostel each Christmas Day.
As so many bad/sad/confusing things continue to happen in our world, what can we do to help our world be a better place? Pope Francis' words below show the way!
Pope Francis - Fratelli
Tutti:
78. We
can start from below and, case by case, act at the most concrete and local
levels, and then expand to the farthest reaches of our countries and our world,
with the same care and concern that the Samaritan showed for each of the wounded
man's injuries. Let us seek out others and embrace the world as it is, without
fear of pain or a sense of inadequacy, because there we will discover all the
goodness that God has planted in human hearts. Difficulties that seem
overwhelming are opportunities for growth, not excuses for a glum resignation
that can lead only to acquiescence. Yet let us not do this alone, as
individuals. The Samaritan discovered an innkeeper who would care for the man;
we too are called to unite as a family that is stronger than the sum of small
individual members. For "the whole is greater than the part, but it is also
greater than the sum of its parts". Let us renounce the pettiness and
resentment of useless in-fighting and constant confrontation. Let us stop
feeling sorry for ourselves and acknowledge our crimes, our apathy, our lies.
Reparation and reconciliation will give us new life and set us all free from
fear. (!)
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Feast of St Stephen - THE STORY OF STEPHEN:
Acts
6.8-15: One of the
seven deacons, Stephen,
was filled with grace and power. He began to do many miracles. A group of Jews
tried to beat Stephen in a debate. But they could not win, because the Holy
Spirit was guiding Stephen in his speech. The group then got some men to falsely
accuse Stephen of being disloyal to Moses and to God. The group had Stephen
arrested and brought before a meeting of the religious leaders. At the meeting,
false witnesses accused Stephen of speaking against Moses and the Law.
Jesus, please protect people who are accused by false witnesses
Recording of this reading
Acts
7.1-54: The meeting of
religious leaders had falsely accused Stephen of
being disloyal to Moses. So
Stephen gave a long speech, full of loyalty to Moses. Then he made a stinging
attack on the leaders: "You stubborn people, with your pagan hearts and
pagan ears. You are always resisting the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors
did. Your ancestors killed the prophets who foretold the coming of the Just One.
You have gone further: you have killed the Just One himself". When the
leaders heard these words, they were very angry and wanted to kill Stephen.
Jesus, Just One from heaven, please don't let me resist the Holy Spirit. Holy
Spirit of God, please increase your influence in my life
Recording
Acts
7.55-58: Stephen,
filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up and saw the glory of God, and Jesus
standing at God's right hand. "I can see heaven thrown open", he said,
"and Jesus standing at the right hand of God". At this, the religious
leaders at the meeting covered their ears with their hands. They sent Stephen
out of the city and stoned him. The false witnesses (who were required to throw
the first stones) put down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Paul.
Recording
Acts
7.59- 8.3: As they
were stoning him, Stephen prayed
"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit". Then he knelt down and prayed
"Lord, do not hold this sin against them". Then he died. Paul entirely
approved of the killing. That day a bitter persecution started against the
church in Jerusalem and everyone except the apostles fled to the countryside.
Paul began working for the destruction of the church. He went from house to
house arresting men and women and sending them to prison
Jesus, thank you for the example of Stephen who, like yourself, forgave those
who were killing him
Recording
Reflection
on the above readings:
Stephen's extraordinary forgiveness of Saul surely had something to do with the
deradicalization of Saul. A powerful lesson for today's radicalized world
---------------------------
For
the day after Christmas! Tangmalangmaloo
recited by Ken Short
------------------------------
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 26th
of the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Xinjiang
And praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the
month:
On this 26th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Togo
And
praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Saturday,
please pacify the
Taliban
------------------------
------------------------
Merry Christmas! I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2021!
Fri Dec 25
Christmas
Day - O come let us adore him!
My Christmas wish/prayer:
no Covid-19 cases today,
please God!
On Christmas Day my thoughts go back to happy
days in Zhaoqing
Pope Francis - Fratelli
Tutti:
Starting anew
77. Each day offers us a new opportunity, a
new possibility. We should not expect everything from those who govern us, for
that would be childish. We have the space we need for co-responsibility in
creating and putting into place new processes and changes. Let
us take an active part in renewing and supporting our troubled societies.
Today we have a great opportunity to express our innate sense of fraternity, to
be Good Samaritans who bear the pain of other people's troubles rather than
fomenting greater hatred and resentment. Like the chance traveller in the
parable, we need only have a pure and simple desire to be a people, a community,
constant and tireless in the effort to include, integrate and lift up the
fallen. We may often find ourselves succumbing to the mentality of the violent,
the blindly ambitious, those who spread mistrust and lies. Others may continue
to view politics or the economy as an arena for their own power plays. For
our part, let us foster what is good and place ourselves at its service.
-------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from Simple
Bible
c.f. readings for Dec 25
Isaiah 62.11-12: This
the Lord proclaims to the ends of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion,
"Look, your
saviour comes, the prize of his victory with him, his trophies before
him." They shall be called "The Holy People", "the Lord's
Redeemed." And you shall be called "The-sought-after",
"City-not-forsaken."
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
Titus
3:1-7: Remind
everyone to be obedient to government officials; to be ready to do good at every
opportunity; not to go slandering other people or picking quarrels; to be
courteous and polite to everyone. There was a time when we too were ignorant;
when we lived in wickedness and ill-will, hating each other and hateful
ourselves. But then the
kindness and love of God our Saviour were revealed, and God saved us
because of his compassion. God saved us by the cleansing water of rebirth, and
by renewing us with the Holy Spirit whom he has poured over us through Jesus
Christ our Saviour. So we are justified by his grace, and look forward to
eternal life.
Jesus, Saviour of the world, you are our Saviour
Recording
Luke
2.15-20: After
the angels went away, the shepherds said to one another "Let's
go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us
about". So
they quickly went and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
People who heard the shepherds talk about the angels were amazed. As for Mary,
she treasured every moment of what had happened and pondered the whole event in
her heart. The
shepherds went back to their fields glorifying and praising God for all they had
heard and seen
Jesus we adore you, Jesus we adore you, Jesus we
adore you, Christ the Lord
Recording
Reflection on the above readings:
There's something in our DNA that draws us to the Baby Jesus, like metal to a magnet. That Baby makes us fall to our knees in loving adoration
-------------------------
-------------------------
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 20th
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 20th of the month, Jesus please bless the
people of Comoros
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Friday,
please bless all Muslims
----------------------------
----------------------------
Merry Christmas! I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2021!
Tues
Dec 24
Christmas
Eve - O come let us adore him!
brilliant!
The
Christmas Scale (820k
views)
It's hard to believe that the greatest message the world
will ever hear is contained in one simple scale
Beautiful
Indonesian Christmas video: Yesus
Putra Maria
Today is the anniversary of Lottie
Moon (1840-1920) who spent 40 years as a missionary in China. I have
read several books about her. An awesome lady!
I spent yesterday on Hei Ling Chau Island, visiting 18C
(the men's prison) and 18B
(the women's prison). A most worthwhile day! With a special surprise from
Providence: After a couple of hours at 18C I needed to get to 18B by CSD buses
which serve the island. But there's no regular service on Wednesdays (since no
visitors that day)....and buses can be far and few between. I was contemplating
a 40 minute walk. But as I got to the entrance of 18C a bus arrived at that very
moment ... going to 18B! The odds of this happening are off the chart. Thank
you Jesus!
Pope
Francis - Fratelli
Tutti:
76. Let us turn at last to the injured man.
There are times when we feel like him, badly hurt and left on side of the road.
We can also feel helpless because our institutions are neglected and lack
resources, or simply serve the interests of a few, without and within.
Indeed, "globalized society often has an elegant way of shifting its gaze.
Under the guise of being politically correct or ideologically fashionable, we
look at those who suffer without touching them. We televise live pictures of
them, even speaking about them with euphemisms and with apparent
tolerance".
-------------------------
The Book Blog: 4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from Simple
Bible
c.f. midnight Mass readings
Isaiah 9: The
people that walked in darkness has seen a great light. On those who live
in a land of deep shadow, a light has shone. For the yoke that was weighing on
them, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken and removed. For there is a
child born for us, a son given to us, and dominion is laid on his shoulders. And
he will be called Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God,
Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.
Jesus, Prince of Peace, thank you for the peace and hope and joy of your
friendship
Recording
of this reading
Titus
2: God's grace has made
salvation available for the whole human race. We
must give up everything that does not lead to God. We
must delete our worldly ambitions. We must be self-restrained and live good
lives here in this present world, while we wait in hope for the blessings that
will come with the Coming of the glory of our God and savior Christ Jesus. He
sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from wickedness, and to purify
us so that we would have no ambition except to do good.
Jesus, please help me give up everything that does not lead to you
Recording
Luke
2.1-7: Caesar Augustus issued a
decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census - the first -
took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own
town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in
Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem,
since he was of David's House and line, in order to be registered together
with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the
time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first
born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid
him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.
Recording
Luke 2.8-14: In
the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took
it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord
appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were
terrified, but the angel said, "Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you
news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today
in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger." And suddenly with the angel there was a great
throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing: "Glory
to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all who
enjoy his favour."
Recording
Reflection: No matter where we are, no matter what's happening in our lives, even if we are in a time of sadness (e.g. after a death in the family), even if in prison .... Christmas gives us hope and peace .... because Christmas is all about the birth of the Source of hope and peace: Jesus
Daniel Daring: Christmas reflection (Chinese text)
---------------
Elderly
man in Phoenix calls his doctor son in New York ... your mother and I are
getting a divorce. Divorce?! After 53 years? What are you
talking about? 53 years is about 50 years too long. We
really don't even like each other any more. Dad! I can't
believe this. Hold on .... I'm gonna call my sister & I'll get back to
you. (calls attorney sister in Chicago) Sis! You're not going to
believe this! Dad just called to tell me that he and mom are getting
a divorce! What?! That's crazy! I'll call them,
then we better get down there just as soon as we can. (sister calls
Dad back in Phoenix) Dad? This is just crazy, and besides
I'm a lawyer. Don't do anything until I get there - until my brother &
I get there. We're coming in on the next possible flights. Elderly
man hangs up the phone and turns to his wife and says, "Well, dear, the
kids are coming home for Christmas ... and they're paying their own way!"
--------------------
Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:
Sun:
Mon:
Tues:
Wed:
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific
Frid:
Sat:
Cent,
Jesus,
today, Thursday,
please bless
the people of
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
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, Thursday, please pacify Al-Qaeda
----------------------------
Wed Dec 23
2 days
to Christmas. O
Immanuel, you are our
king and our judge, the One whom the peoples await and our Saviour. O come and
save us, Lord our God!
One
of my favourite videos
Bob
Welsh: My Christmas Eve (3.6m
views!)
MercyHK Dec updated financial report - here
Radio
program in Cantonese every Sat night re prison evanglisation
99
Protestant churches shut down in China this year
Pope Francis - Fratelli
Tutti:
75. "Robbers" usually find secret
allies in those who "pass by and look the other way". There is a
certain interplay between those who manipulate and cheat society, and those who,
while claiming to be detached and impartial critics, live off that system and
its benefits. There is a sad hypocrisy when the impunity of crime, the use of
institutions for personal or corporate gain, and other evils apparently
impossible to eradicate, are accompanied by a relentless criticism of
everything, a constant sowing of suspicion that results in distrust and
confusion. The complaint that "everything is broken" is answered by
the claim that "it can't be fixed", or "what can I do?" This
feeds into disillusionment and despair, and hardly encourages a spirit of
solidarity and generosity. Plunging people into despair closes a perfectly
perverse circle: such is the agenda of
the invisible dictatorship of hidden interests that have gained mastery over
both resources and the possibility of thinking and expressing opinions.
------------------------------
Chris McDonnell
The
Great Antiphons of Advent
-----------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Dec 23
Micah 3: The
Lord God says this: Look, I
am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. Know
that I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before my day comes. He shall
turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the hearts of children
towards their fathers.
Lord, may we accept the messengers who prepare your way
Recording of this reading
Psalm 24: Lord,
make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make
me walk in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my saviour. The
Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, he guides the
humble in the right path, he teaches his way to the poor.
Lord, help me walk in your truth
Recording
Luke
1.57- 62: The
time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and
when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a
kindness, they shared her joy. Now on the eighth day they came to circumcise
the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his
mother spoke up. "No," she said "he
is to be called John." They said to her, "But no one in your
family has that name", and made signs to his father to find out what he
wanted him called.
Recording
Luke
1.63- 66: The father asked for a
writing-tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they were all
astonished. At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and
praised God. All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair
was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. All those who heard
of it treasured it in their hearts. "What
will this child turn out to be?" they wondered. And indeed the hand
of the Lord was with him.
Lord, may I treasure your message in my heart
Recording
Reflection on the above readings: Today's readings are all about the Christmas Baby's cousin, John the Baptist, born 6 months before the first Christmas. His job was to prepare the way for Jesus. Which is also the job of every Christian - to prepare a way for Jesus, to help other people know and love the Baby born at Christmas.
---------------------------
A famous saying says "Rain at Winter Festival means a
fine Lunar New Year's Day" (and vice versa). Well, Dec 21-22 was totally
fine this year. Let's see if LNY (Feb 12) has rain!
-------------------------
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 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, Wednesday,
please pacify Al-Shabaab
--------------------------------
-------------------------------
Tues Dec 22
3 days
to Christmas. Jesus
born at Christmas, please give hope and peace to our troubled world!
Please join me in a very special Christmas wish/prayer: No Covid-19 cases on Dec 25 Please God!
With
a real baby! 
Christmas
Flash Mob
From
an O.M.I. parish in South Africa:
Yesterday
I spent 5 hours at Tai Lam women's prison ... where a room with women serving
the longest sentences was the one with the most Christmas decorations!
Pope Francis - Fratelli
Tutti:
74. One detail about the passers-by does
stand out: they were religious, devoted to the worship of God: a priest and a
Levite. This detail should not be overlooked. It shows that belief
in God and the worship of God are not enough to ensure that we are actually
living in a way pleasing to God. A believer may be untrue to everything
that his faith demands of him, and yet think he is close to God and better than
others. The guarantee of an authentic openness to God, on the other hand, is a
way of practising the faith that helps open our hearts to our brothers and
sisters. Saint John Chrysostom expressed this pointedly when he challenged his
Christian hearers: "Do you wish to honour the body of the Saviour? Do not
despise it when it is naked. Do not honour it in church with silk vestments
while outside it is naked and numb with cold". Paradoxically, those
who claim to be unbelievers can sometimes put God's will into practice better
than believers.
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Dec 22
My recording of this reading
1
Samuel 2: Hannah
praised God for giving her a child: "My
heart rejoices in the Lord. The Lord, our fortress, is holy. Don't speak
proudly, for the Lord knows what's in our hearts. The Lord breaks the power of
the strong. He gives strength and victory to the weak. He blesses the barren
woman. The Lord raises the poor from the dust, and gives them a seat of honor
with princes. The Lord guards the steps of good people, but scatters bad people
in their pride." The Lord blessed Hannah and she gave birth to three more
sons and two daughters. Her son Samuel grew up in the temple. The temple priest
at that time was Eli. But Eli's sons were bad men. They stole the people's
offerings to the Lord.
Dear God, please bless good people like Hannah, and please help bad people
like Eli's sons to stop being bad
Listen
Luke
1.46-56: Mary
said "My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in
God my savior. Starting from today, all generations will call me blessed, for
the Almighty has done great things for me". Mary
stayed with Elizabeth about 3 months and then went home. Elizabeth gave birth to
a son. Her neighbors and relatives shared her joy. When the child was
circumcised on the 8th day, he was given the name John
Jesus, please bless all women who are having a baby today
Listen
Reflection on the above readings: Christmas is a time for praise and adoration ... with Mary
------------------------------
As
an English teacher I added a comma after "bull" (in today's first
reading) to save the life of the mother. A trap for lectors: They
slaughtered the bull, and
the child's mother came to Eli.
-------------------------------
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 22nd
of
the month, Jesus please bless the prisoners of Zhejiang
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, Tuesday,
please pacify Boko
Haram
----------------------------
----------------------
On-going project to help homeless people in YMT-Jordan area
========
Africa:
2020: My trip to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg
2017:
My trip to Southern Africa, Dubai (
The
Last Run)
2016:
My trip to Kenya, Uganda
2015: My trip to Tanzania, Malawi
----------------
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
----------------
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
--------------------
Hong Kong:
July 2019: My warning to HK domestic helpers - published here in HK Filipino media
2018-09-22:
My
60 min video interview with Radio99,
in Cantonese, is here: 01 02
to help stop people going to prison
2018-07-29: SCMP- Beware drug lords luring domestic helpers, refugees into narcotics trade
2018-04-08: The Pearl Report on TVB - concerning HK's Long Term Sentencing Review Board and my anti-drug campaign
March 18, 2018: South China Morning Post report on my work
2017-12-01: Report in Chinese in Ming Pao Magazine
2017-09-27: SCMP Spirit of HK Awards (video starts after 20 secs)
2017-08-24: Cable TV video report on my anti-drug campaign and a Facebook report on the video report (click "translation" for English)
2027-05-18: SCMP - The prison chaplain who has stopped 150 drug mules reaching HK
2017-03-25: Oriental
Daily
report of case of South African woman given discount for help to my campaign
*** May
14 updates:
Oriental
Daily, Apple
Daily, Sing
Tao
Dec 1, 2016 - HK News: More women being recruited as drug mules
2016-10-13: HK01 report about campaign and about work for the poor
2016-09-11: Oriental Daily report about my campaign - and same day Editorial
2016-08-27: Oriental Daily article about court case and campaign
My
anti-drug campaign sites
(skillfully
managed by kind HK friends):
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nomasmulas/
Facebook: Chinese no more mules page
((Facebook: AddisAbabaDrugTrade; KenyaDrugTrade; TanzaniaDrugTrade; JohannesburgDrugTrade; SaoPauloDrugTrade; MalaysiaDrugTrade; ThailandDrugTrade; HongKongDrugTrade; CambodiaDrugTrade; IndonesiaDrugTrade)) (blocked by FB Oct 2020)
http://hkdrugblog.org/name-and-shame/index.htm
----------------------
Photos
from my time in China 2001-20008
---------------------
---------------------
Australian Chinese for
Families Association
Gay marriage: Elephant in the room (by John W)
--------------------------------------------
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
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .