V2Catholic.comDr
Jesus Centre 187 Temple St Jordan
A voice for the poor
by HK prison chaplain
胡頌恆神父
Fr John Wotherspoon
O.M.I.
jdwomi@gmail.com
+852 67095674
Imitating
Pope Francis
Tues Aug 15
The
Assumption of Mary to Heaven
My August 15 Reflection: In our spiritual DNA, there's something about Mary that moves our hearts on August 15. May this reflection be an encouragement to people who might be influenced to doubt the beautiful importance of Mary in God's plan and in our lives
Yesterday during lunch I watched this
excellent Assumption reflection by Scott Hahn
(9 mins)
Prayers please for TWO
very special bail applications due to be heard at the High Court this
morning!
Allow
married indigenous men to be priests - Abp Coleridge
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Assumption
Revelation
12: The sanctuary of God in heaven opened and
the ark of the covenant could be seen inside it. Then came flashes of
lightning, peals of thunder and an earthquake, and violent hail. Now a great
sign appeared in heaven: a
woman adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with twelve stars on
her head for a crown
My
recording of this reading
Mary
of Guadalupe
Many people see in this picture the Woman
of today's first reading: dressed in the sun, standing on the moon, crowned
with stars
Psalm
44: The daughters of kings are among your loved
ones. On
your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir. Listen, O
daughter, give ear to my words: forget your own people and your father's
house. So will the king desire your beauty: He is your lord, pay homage
to him. They are escorted amid gladness and joy; they pass within the palace
of the king
Recording
1
Corinthians 15: Christ
has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep.
Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead
has come through one man. Just
as all people die in Adam, so all people will be brought to life in Christ; but
all of them in their proper order: Christ as the first-fruits and then, after
the coming of Christ, those who belong to him. After that will come the end,
when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having done away with every
sovereignty, authority and power. For he must be king until he has put all his
enemies under his feet and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death,
for everything is to be put under his feet.
Recording
Luke
1: Mary set out and went as quickly as she
could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah's
house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
She gave a loud cry and said, "Of all women you are the most blessed,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit
from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears,
the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that
the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled." And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit exults in
God my saviour; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid. Yes,
from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty
has done great things for me"
Recording
Reflection on the above readings:
The spirituality of Mary invites us to the values of Catholic Social Teaching: concern for the poor, solidarity with all people, a preference for the ways of nonviolence rather than military might, forgiveness and reconciliation rather than domination and manipulation.
------------------------------
-------------------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On this 15th
of
the month, Jesus please bless the people of Liaoning
And praying for one of
the world's poorest
countries each day of the month:
On this 15th of the month, Jesus
please bless the people of Liberia
And praying for one
Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Tuesday,
please pacify Boko
Haram
----------------------------
----------------------------
Mon
Aug 14
On
this day in 1941 a man died in place of another man at Auschwitz death camp - Maximilian
Kolbe ...and this article says he is the patron saint of
drug addicts! Dear
St. Maximilian, please help all the drug addicts in the Jordan/Yau Ma Tei area!
New York Times: Australia
outlasts France
Another
elderly drug mule from Addis Ababa arrested HK airport
(not sure of man's nationality)
Laudato
Si:
171.
The strategy of buying and selling "carbon credits" can lead to a
new form of speculation which would not help reduce the emission of polluting
gases worldwide. This system seems to provide a quick and easy solution under
the guise of a certain commitment to the environment, but in no way does it
allow for the radical change which present circumstances require. Rather, it
may simply become a ploy which permits maintaining the excessive consumption
of some countries and sectors.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 60
of Church in the
World
------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1
Samuel 9-10:
Among the men of the tribe of Benjamin
there was a very tall and very handsome man named Saul. Once when he went in search of his father's
stray donkeys,
he met up with Samuel. The Lord had told Samuel that he would meet
Saul,
and that he should be anointed as king. And so Samuel took some oil and poured it on
Saul's head.
He told Saul that the Lord had chosen him to be king. Samuel presented Saul to the people.
The people acclaimed Saul saying "Long live the king!"
Dear Lord, please protect and
guide all people in authority
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
Listen
James
5.13-18: If one of you is in trouble, pray. If you are
happy, sing a psalm. If someone is sick, send for the elders of the
church. They must anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and pray
over him.
The prayer of faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
Confess your sins to one another, and pray for
one another,
and this will heal you. The heartfelt prayer of a good person is very
powerful. Elijah prayed for rain, and rain came
Jesus, please help sick people have the
opportunity
to receive the "Anointing of the Sick"
Listen
Mark
8.27-38: One day Jesus asked his disciples
"Who do people say I am?" The disciples replied
"Some say you are one of the famous prophets".
Jesus then asked them "And who do you say I am?" Peter answered "You are
the Christ". Jesus then explained to them
how he must go to Jerusalem to suffer, die and rise from the dead. He also said
"If you want to be my disciple, you must deny yourself,
take up your own cross, and follow me. Selfishness will ruin your life.
Self-sacrificing will bless your life. What use is it to have everything in this
world
yet miss out on Heaven?"
Jesus, please help me find my
life by losing it in service of others
Listen
Reflection: What our world needs is not some economist's theory but a great mood of unselfishness
-------------------------
Guardian:
Matilda's
win had country holding its breath
--------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On
this 14th of
the month, Jesus please bless the people of Jilin
And
praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 14th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guinea
Bissau
And praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Monday,
please pacify I.S.
-----------------------
----------------------
Sun Aug 13
Letter from 21 year old local HK man in prison for drug
trafficking: Momentary
Greed, Long Term Consequences - 貪婪一時 惡果長遠
and letter from another local HK man: From Remitting to Remand - 從緩刑到還押
Laudato
Si:
170.
Some strategies for lowering pollutant gas emissions call for the
internationalization of environmental costs, which would risk imposing on
countries with fewer resources burdensome commitments to reducing emissions
comparable to those of the more industrialized countries. Imposing such
measures penalizes those countries most in need of development. A further
injustice is perpetrated under the guise of protecting the environment. Here
also, the poor end up paying the price. Furthermore, since the effects of
climate change will be felt for a long time to come, even if stringent
measures are taken now, some countries with scarce resources will require
assistance in adapting to the effects already being produced, which affect
their economies. In this context, there is a need for common and
differentiated responsibilities. As the bishops of
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 57
of Church in the
World
------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
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!
Reflection by Fr Peter: English Chinese
-------------
Video
commentary on today's readings - in Italian, Chinese, English, and
Spanish
(+
Cantonese audio)
-------------------------------
Hour
of Love HK radio program 8.30
pm HK time tonight
- with items about HK prison inmates
-------------------------------
Re
today's Gospel: Why
on earth ...or on water ...did Peter try to walk on the sea?....putting the
Lord to the test? And being a professional fisherman, surely he could swim!?
Did Peter suffer from attention seaking
..."making waves"?!
------------------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On this 13th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Jiangxi
And praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 13th of the month, Jesus
please bless the people of Congo
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Sunday,
please bless all Muslims in my country
-----------------------
----------------------
Sat Aug 12
Question to English and Chinese media in HK and other places (including UK Guardian):
why no mention of Pope in Portugal for World Youth Day ...with
more than a million people at final Mass???
Three
letters in Chinese by a local HK man
about his involvement in a money collection crime. Not a drug case, but like
drug letters ... as a warning to others not to make the same mistake - here
(June 28)
Laudato
Si:
169.
As far as the protection of biodiversity and issues related to desertification
are concerned, progress has been far less significant. With regard to climate
change, the advances have been regrettably few. Reducing greenhouse gases
requires honesty, courage and responsibility, above all on the part of those
countries which are more powerful and pollute the most. The Conference of the
United Nations on Sustainable Development, "Rio+20" (Rio de Janeiro
2012), issued a wide-ranging but ineffectual outcome document. International
negotiations cannot make significant progress due to positions taken by
countries which place their national interests above the global common good. Those
who will have to suffer the consequences of what we are trying to hide will
not forget this failure of conscience and responsibility. Even as this
Encyclical was being prepared, the debate was intensifying. We believers
cannot fail to ask God for a positive outcome to the present discussions, so
that future generations will not have to suffer the effects of our ill-advised
delays.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 55
of Church in the
World
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
Samuel
8:
When Samuel grew old, the people asked him to
find someone
to be their king. Samuel was not happy that the people asked for
a king.
Samuel also warned the people that a king would impose taxes
and have many rights over them.
But the people insisted on having a
king.
The Lord then told Samuel to give the people a king.
Dear God, you are our only true
King
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
96: O sing a new song to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
O sing to the Lord, bless his name. Proclaim his help day by day.
Tell among the nations his glory,
and his wonders among all the peoples. It was the Lord who made the heavens.
Give the Lord, you families of peoples,
give the Lord glory and honor. Bring an offering and enter his temple.
Worship the Lord in his sacred place. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Let the sea and all within it thunder praise. Let the land and all it bears rejoice,
all the trees of the forest shout for joy.
Everyone and everything,
give the Lord glory and honor.
Lord, you are our Creator. We
love and praise you
Listen
James
5.1-6: Are you rich and powerful? Then start weeping
for the miseries that are coming your way. Your wealth is rotting, your clothes are being
eaten by moths.
And your body also will soon be corroding in a burning fire. You cheated your workers.
You lived a life of luxury without any care for people who were suffering.
You condemned and killed the innocent
Jesus, give uncaring rich and powerful people a
change of heart
Listen
Mark
8.22-26: In the village of
Bethsaida, a blind man was
brought to Jesus.
His friends begged Jesus to touch him. Jesus took the man by the hand and led him
outside the town.
Jesus put spittle on the man's eyes
and placed his hands on the man's eyes. "Can you see anything?" asked Jesus.
The man was starting to see and replied "I can see people. They look
like trees, but they are walking about". Jesus then placed his hands on the man's eyes
again, and he saw clearly. He was healed and could see everything clearly.
Jesus, heal my friend
....(name)...who is blind
Listen
Reflection: Sometimes people are healed gradually, not straight away
------------
Tonight in Brisbane a problem:
Women's
World Cup Soccer quarter-final: Australia
v France. When the French National Anthem is played, the
local Brisbane people will probably sing along .... with the
words of the Brisbane Lions Australian Football team theme song ...which
is set to the music of the French National Anthem!!!
------------------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland each day of the
month:
On this 12th
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 12th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guinea
And
praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Saturday,
please pacify the
Taliban
------------------------
------------------------
Fri Aug 11
Video about Temple
Street, Jordan
Moving
letter in English and Portuguese from 24 year old Brazil mother of five in
prison in HK for drug trafficking ...with specific details of how she
swallowed the drug capsules - here (August 1)
Laudato
Si:
168. Among positive experiences in this
regard, we might mention, for example, the
Basel Convention on hazardous wastes, with its system of reporting,
standards and controls. There is also the
binding Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna
and flora, which includes on-site visits for verifying effective
compliance. Thanks to the Vienna
Convention for the protection of the ozone layer and its implementation
through the Montreal Protocol
and amendments, the problem of the layer's thinning seems to have entered a
phase of resolution.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 54
of Church in the
World
-------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1 Samuel 7: The Sacred Chest was taken from the town of
Beth-shemesh
to the town of Kiriath-jearim, to the house of Abinadab,
whose son Eleazar was consecrated to guard the Chest. After 20 more years, the Israelites again
longed for freedom from the Philistines. Samuel gathered all the Israelites at
Mizpah,
where after prayer,
battle was joined with the Philistines who were defeated. The Philistines no longer came into Israelite
territory.
Samuel was judge over all Israel for the rest of his life.
During Samuel's time, the Philistines no longer troubled Israel.
There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites. Each year Samuel went on circuit around the
country
to judge cases of law. He would then return to his home town of Ramah
and continue his work as a judge from there.
Dear God, please give the world
more leaders like Samuel
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
95: Come ring out our joy to the Lord.
Hail the rock who saves us. Let us come before him giving thanks.
With songs let us praise the Lord.
A mighty God is the Lord,
a great king above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth.
The heights of the mountains are his. To him belongs the sea, for he made it,
and the dry land shaped by his hands. Come in, let us bow and bend low.
Let us kneel before the God who made us.
For he is our God
and we are the people who belong to his pasture.
Lord, you are our Creator. Our
life comes from you. We praise and love you, Lord
Listen
James
4.13-15:
Avoid talking like this: "Tomorrow I'm
going to another town, to do business there for a year". You don't know what will happen tomorrow. You
are no more than a mist that is here for a little while, then disappears. What you should say is: "If it's the
Lord's will, tomorrow I'm going to another town for a year".
Jesus, help me to remember to say to people: "God
willing, I will see you next month" or "Please God, I will see
you next month", rather than just "I'll see you next month"
Listen
Mark
7.31-37: Jesus travelled through the area south of the
Sea of Galilee.
A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him. Jesus took the man aside in private, away from
the crowd.
He put his fingers into the man's ears and put spittle on his tongue.
Then he prayed and said "Be opened".
The man's ears were opened and his speech became normal. The people said "He has done all things
well. He makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak".
Jesus, heal (..name..)
who is "deaf and dumb"
Listen
Reflection: Words no good for a deaf person ... Jesus used action and touch ... to help the man understand what was happening
-------------------------
Women's
World Cup quarter-final: Australia
v France
tomorrow night - in Brisbane!
-------------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland each day of the
month:
On this 11th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Hunan
And praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the
month:
On this 11th of the month, Jesus please bless the
people of Yemen
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Friday,
please bless all Muslims
----------------------------
----------------------------
Thu Aug 10
Yesterday
morning at the Dr Jesus Centre at 187 Temple Street, Jordan, there was a
MercyHK staff meeting ... at which one main topic was the soon-to-be-opened
MercyHK canteen at next door 191 Temple Street. Thanks to many friends, the
canteen is going to be really beautiful artistically.... and a place where
former prisoners are employed .... and a place where needy people can receive
free meals ... and a place where social worker Lucia has an office where
people can come to get help. Tentative
opening date is Thursday Sep 14, the Feast of Jesus' Cross.
Tentative blessing and official opening by Cardinal Stephen Chow is Sunday
November 19.
This is wonderful news! Vietnam
President visits Bishops' Conference ... after recently meeting Pope
Francis in Rome
Laudato
Si:
167.
The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro is worth mentioning. It proclaimed
that "human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable
development". Echoing the 1972 Stockholm Declaration, it enshrined
international cooperation to care for the ecosystem of the entire earth, the
obligation of those who cause pollution to assume its costs, and the duty to
assess the environmental impact of given projects and works. It set the goal
of limiting greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere, in an effort to
reverse the trend of global warming. It also drew up an agenda with an action
plan and a convention on biodiversity, and stated principles regarding
forests. Although the summit was a real step forward, and prophetic for its
time, its accords have been poorly implemented, due to the lack of suitable
mechanisms for oversight, periodic review and penalties in cases of
non-compliance. The principles which
it proclaimed still await an efficient and flexible means of practical
implementation.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 53
of Church in the
World
-------------------------
The Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1 Samuel 6:
The Sacred Chest of the Lord was in Philistine
territory for 7 months. Then the Philistines put the Chest on a cart
pulled by 2 milch cows.
The cows went straight to the Israelite town of Beth-shemesh,
without anyone leading them. The people of Beth-shemesh were overjoyed to
see the Sacred Chest.
Dear Lord, thank you
for the joy in our hearts
which comes from friendship with you
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
94: O Lord, Judge of the earth,
how long will the wicked crush the poor? The wicked say "God does not hear".
But can he who made the ear, not hear? Blessed are those whom the Lord teaches.
The Lord gives them peace in troubled times. When cares increase in my heart,
God's consolation calms my soul.
Lord, when cares and troubles
increase, please help us to trust in you
Listen
James
4.7-12: Turn towards God.
Turn away from the Devil,
and the Devil will run away from you. Clean your hearts and minds. Be sorry for your
sins.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Do not slander one another. Who are you to
give a verdict on your neighbor?
Jesus, help me understand "the time
to judge others is never"
Listen
Mark
7.24-30:
Jesus went to the district of Tyre.
A foreign woman fell at his feet and begged him to expel a devil from her
daughter. Jesus said "The children (= Jews)
should be fed first. It's not right to give the children's food to the
house dogs (= foreigners)". She replied "Ah yes, Sir, but the house
dogs under the table can eat the children's scraps". Jesus said to her "For expressing such
great faith, you can go home happy. The devil has gone out of your
daughter". She went home
and found the child lying on a bed, and the devil gone
Jesus, please give sick people
more faith in you
Listen
Reflection: One again ... a link between faith and healing
---------
Yesterday I made my quickest/shortest ever visit to Lai Chi Kok
men's prison ... 10 minutes! ... just to see one man for a few minutes
concerning a bail application next week.
--------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On this 10th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of
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, Thursday, please pacify Al-Qaeda
----------------------------
Wed Aug 9
Yesterday morning I was at West Kowloon Court for a
"mention" hearing involving two people on bail for whom I am surety.
I was sitting behind a man wearing a black tea shirt ....on which was an image
with the words "Come and dine". Only after looking at the image a
few times did I realise it was an image of 5 loaves and 2 fish!
Yesterday during and after breakfast I watched this most important
Ted
Talk
by Al Gore: What
the fossil fuel industry doesn't want you to know
Letter
from Filipina in prison for helping "friend" collect parcel
Laudato
Si:
166.
Worldwide, the ecological movement has made significant advances, thanks also
to the efforts of many organizations of civil society. It is impossible here
to mention them all, or to review the history of their contributions. But
thanks to their efforts, environmental questions have increasingly found a
place on public agendas and encouraged more far-sighted approaches. This
notwithstanding, recent World Summits
on the environment have not lived up to expectations because, due to
lack of political will, they were unable to reach truly meaningful and
effective global agreements on the environment.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 52
of Church
in World
------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1 Samuel 5: The Philistines took the captured Sacred Chest
to the shrine of Dagon in one of their towns. Next morning, they found the statue of Dagon
on its face on the ground, in front of the Sacred Chest. They picked Dagon up and put him back in his
place.
But next morning he was down again,
with his head and hands cut off from the rest of his body. While the Sacred Chest was in the Philistine
town,
the people there were struck with tumors and many people died. The people told their leaders to take the
Sacred Chest
back to Israel where it belonged.
Dear God, please help everyone
know
that there is no other God but you.
My
recording of this reading
Psalm 93: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed,
he has girded himself with power. The world you made firm, not to be moved.
From all eternity, O Lord, you are. The oceans and coastlines of the world
are majestic and powerful. But greater than the roar of mighty
waters,
more glorious than the surging of the sea
is the Lord on high.
Such a Lord, such a Creator, such a God.
Truly your decrees are to be trusted.
Holiness is fitting to your house
O Lord, always and everywhere.
We praise you, Lord, our
Creator
Listen
James
3.16-17: Wherever you find jealousy and ambition, you
find disharmony and evil practices. On the other hand, wisdom from heaven is
good and peaceful and kindly and considerate. It is full of compassion,
and does good.
There is no trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it
Jesus, give me wisdom. Make me
peaceful
Listen
Mark
7.1-23: Some religious leaders asked Jesus "Why
do your disciples ignore many external practices of our religion?" Jesus answered, with the
words of the prophet
Isaiah:
"This people honors me with external lip-service,
while their hearts are far from me." Jesus also said
"It's not certain foods or lack of washing that makes a person
unclean. It's evil in the heart that makes a person unclean. Evil intentions like murder, adultery,
fornication, theft, perjury, slander. These are the things that make a
person unclean."
Jesus, please clean my
heart
Listen
Reflection: Lip service
---------------------------
-------------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland 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, Wednesday,
please pacify Al-Shabaab
--------------------------------
-------------------------------
Tues Aug 8
I spent a large part of yesterday with a very special group of visitors from Zhaoqing before fareweling them at nearby West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station. A part of my heart is still in Zhaoqing after spending 7 years there as an English teacher 2001- 2008. Today I'm due to be at a court hearing for two of my bail cases for whom I am surety.
Laudato
Si:
165.
We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels -
especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas - needs to be
progressively replaced without delay. Until
greater progress is made in developing widely accessible sources of renewable
energy, it is legitimate to choose the less harmful alternative or to find
short-term solutions. But the international community has still not
reached adequate agreements about the responsibility for paying the costs of
this energy transition. In recent decades, environmental issues have given
rise to considerable public debate and have elicited a variety of committed
and generous civic responses. Politics and business have been slow to react in
a way commensurate with the urgency of the challenges facing our world.
Although the post-industrial period may well be remembered as one of the most
irresponsible in history, nonetheless there is reason to hope that humanity at
the dawn of the twenty-first century will be remembered for having generously
shouldered its grave responsibilities.
Pope
asks we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 51
of Church in the
World
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1
Samuel 4: Around this time, the Philistines defeated the
Israelites in a battle. The Israelites then went to Shiloh
and took the Sacred Chest of the Lord. They took the Sacred Chest into battle with
them
but the Chest was captured by the Philistines. In the same battle, Eli's two sons were
killed.
When Eli heard that his sons were dead
and that the Sacred Chest had been captured,
he fell backwards off his seat, his neck was broken, and he died.
Dear God, please don't let me
cause unhappiness for my family
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
92: It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning,
and your truth right through the night. Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad.
For the work of your hands, I shout with joy. To me you give the wild ox's strength.
You anoint me with the purest oil. May we love and praise you right through our
lives,
right till the end of our days. May we keep on proclaiming your goodness,
proclaiming that in you, our rock, there is only goodness.
Lord, it is right and fitting
to love and praise you
Listen
James
3.3-10:
When a bit is put into a horse's mouth, the
whole animal is under control. A tiny rudder can control a big ship. In the same way,
if you can control your
tongue,
you can control every other part of yourself. The tongue is a whole wicked world in itself.
It is so hard to control.
We use it to bless God, but we also use it to curse people made in God's
image
Jesus, please help me control my tongue!
Listen
Mark
6.53-56:
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.
Wherever he went, to village or town or farm, they laid down the sick in
open spaces, begging him to let them touch even the fringe of his cloak.
All those who touched him were healed
Jesus, please heal my sick
friends ...(names)... by letting them,
through prayer, touch your clothing
Listen
Reflection: In today's world ... so many sick people .... may there be an increase of healing through prayer to Jesus!
------------------------------
This month HK is expecting 4 millions visitors from the
Mainland. Tourism related industries are smiling!
-------------------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland 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 8th 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, Tuesday,
please pacify Boko
Haram
----------------------------
----------------------------
Mon Aug 7
Yesterday after my usual two morning Masses I took a group of 8 dear friends from Zhaoqing (where I used to work as an English teacher) to Repulse Bay. At first I thought they were being unwise to want to go to a beach on such a hot day but then when we got there I found out that for 6 of them it was their very first time ever to visit a beach. They "had a ball". And, thank you Lord, some clouds came at the right time to help us cope with the heat.
Jesus please bless Pope Francis
and all the pilgrims in Portugal for World Youth Day!
------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1
Samuel 3: One day when the boy Samuel was serving in the
temple,
the Lord called to him "Samuel, Samuel."
The boy thought it was the old priest Eli calling to him
so he ran to Eli and said "Here I am." Eli replied "I did not call you."
Two more times the Lord called.
Both times the boy went to Eli. Eli now realized it was the Lord calling
Samuel.
Eli told Samuel to say "Speak Lord, your servant is listening"
the next time he heard the voice. The Lord told Samuel that Eli's family would
be punished
for the bad things they had done. The people quickly found out that the Lord was
with Samuel
and that Samuel was the Lord's prophet.
Dear Lord, please
help me to listen to your voice,
your voice in the Bible, in my conscience and in other people
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
91: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
says to the Lord "you are my refuge in whom I trust". The Lord will hide you and protect you.
Under his wings you will find refuge. You will not fear any night time terror,
nor any attack during the day. Upon you no evil shall fall,
no plague approach where you dwell.
For you has he commanded his angels
to keep you safe in all your ways.
Dear God, thank you for your
protection day and night
Listen
James
2.14-26: Faith and good works need to go together.
Suppose someone is lacking clothes and food,
and you say "I wish you well" and do nothing to help them. What good is that?
Faith
without good deeds is useless.
Jesus, please help me put my faith into action
by good deeds
Listen
Mark
6.45-52: 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 it was dark, the boat was far from land,
but 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."
Then he got into the boat, and the wind stopped.
Jesus, please give me courage
by helping me remember that you are in my boat (my life)
Listen
Reflection: Above picture says it all .."Focus on Jesus, not the storm"
-------------------------
Italian
fugitive caught after his passion for football betrays his location
--------------------
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 one
part of the Mainland 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, Monday,
please pacify I.S.
-----------------------
------
----------------------
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)
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
2017-09-27: 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)
2017-05-17: 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, 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
http://hkdrugblog.org/name-and-shame/index.htm
----------------------
Photos
from my time in China 2001-20008
---------------------
---------------------
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
prisoners:
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
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