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 29
One of several meetings yesterday at the Dr Jesus Centre discussed items for
our soon-to-open canteen at 191 Temple Street. One most practical ordered was
negotiated: recyclable
rice boxes (... no plastic boxes)! Last night at the centre there was also a
meeting for the four elderly bail people we are looking after ... with a group
of concerned friends.
Our world seems to be going crazy at an increasing speed ... so
many things are getting worse .... drug trafficking ...scamming ... climate
damage ... gender wars. What can we do? One thing that people have always done
at crisis times: give a bit more time
to prayer/reflection, Bible, sharing with friends / support group
RTHK:
Excellent
short video on AI scams
Men
who trans to women's sport?
Laudato
Si:
185.
In any discussion about a proposed
venture, a number of questions need to be asked in order to discern
whether or not it will contribute to genuine integral development. What will
it accomplish? Why? Where? When? How? For whom? What are the risks? What are
the costs? Who will pay those costs and how? In this discernment, some
questions must have higher priority. For example, we know that water is a
scarce and indispensable resource and a fundamental right which conditions the
exercise of other human rights. This indisputable fact overrides any other
assessment of environmental impact on a region.
Pope
asks we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 82
of Church in the
World
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for feast of the Beheading
of John the Baptist
Jeremiah
1: Jeremiah
lived in a village not far from Jerusalem. Jeremiah's father was a priest. God
said to Jeremiah: "Before
I formed you in the womb, I knew you. I have appointed you as prophet to the
nations." Jeremiah said to God: "Lord, I do not know how to
speak. I am so young." God then touched Jeremiah's mouth and said:
"I now put my words into your mouth. Go and tell the people everything I
ask you to speak. Do not be dismayed by anyone. I am making you strong. You
must confront Judah's kings, priests and people. They will oppose you, but
will not overcome you, for I am with you."
Lord, please give special courage to people who speak your message for the
world
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
71: In
you, O Lord, I take refuge. Please hear me and help me. Be a rock where I can
take refuge. Rescue me from people who want to hurt me. It is you, O Lord, who
are my hope. In
you I have trusted since I was young. From my mother's womb you have
been my help. My hope has always been in you. Now that I am old, please do not
forget me. Now that my strength fails, do not abandon me. Now that I am old
and grey-headed, may I continue to trust in you and proclaim your help. To you
I will sing with the harp.
Lord, may all elderly people put their trust and hope in you
Listen
Mark
6.17-29: Not
long after Jesus began traveling and teaching, King Herod arrested John the
Baptist and put him in prison. This was because John had told Herod he was
breaking the Law by living with Herodias, his brother's wife. During a
birthday party for Herod, the daughter of Herodias danced. Her dancing so
pleased Herod that he said he would give her anything she wanted. Herodias
told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a dish. Herod
then had John beheaded.
Jesus, please give the world good leaders, and protect people from bad
leaders like Herod
Listen
Reflection on the above Bible readings: Unmarried John the Baptist was murdered for speaking truth to power about the sanctity of marriage
------------------------------
I wonder if I could use AI to do this daily blog?
-------------------------------
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 29th
of
the month, Jesus please bless the people 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 Nigeria
And praying for one
Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Tuesday,
please pacify Boko
Haram
----------------------------
----------------------------
Mon Aug 28
Yesterday after 8am
Cantonese Mass at St Paul's Parish and 12 noon English Mass at the Dr Jesus
Centre ... followed by lunch at the centre with a domestic worker group ....
and a rest at home ... I spent most of the afternoon and evening finishing a
very special mitigation letter to help a prisoner from Malaysia apply for a
sentence reduction when they are sentenced early next month for drug
trafficking in HK.
Finishing a complicated mitigation letter gives me a great sense of relief
.... like a university student finishing a major assignment!
Laudato
Si:
184.
In the face of possible risks to the environment which may affect the common
good now and in the future, decisions must be made "based on a comparison
of the risks and benefits foreseen for the various possible
alternatives". This is especially the case when a project may lead
to a greater use of natural resources, higher levels of emission or discharge,
an increase of refuse, or significant changes to the landscape, the habitats
of protected species or public spaces. Some projects, if insufficiently
studied, can profoundly affect the quality of life of an area due to very
different factors such as unforeseen noise pollution, the shrinking of visual
horizons, the loss of cultural values, or the effects of nuclear energy use. The
culture of consumerism, which prioritizes short-term gain and private
interest, can make it easy to rubber-stamp authorizations or to conceal
information.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My
reflection on Article 79
of Church in the
World
------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
2
Samuel 1-3: When David heard that
Saul and Jonathan had died,
David was very sad. David was
then anointed as king over the house of Judah,
but Ishbaal became king of the rest of Israel.
War broke out between the House of David (Judah)
and the House of Saul (Israel). Gradually
the House of David grew stronger
and the House of Saul grew weaker.
Dear
God, please give peace to all nations suffering from civil war
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
108: My heart is ready, O God. I will sing, sing
your praise.
Awake, lyre and harp. I will awake the dawn. I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples,
praise you among the nations, for your love reaches to the heavens
and your truth to the skies. O Lord, come and deliver us today.
Help us with your right hand. Give us help in difficult situations.
With your help we shall be brave.
Lord, we need your help every
day
Listen
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
Listen
Mark
10.35-45: The brothers James and John were two
of Jesus' disciples.
One day their mother said to Jesus.
"When you become king, allow my sons to sit at your right and
left". Jesus said to his cousins James
and John
"Only my Father in heaven can allocate seats on my right and
left". The 10 other disciples were angry
at James and John for seeking honor. So Jesus said to them all
"In most places, people in power like to dominate and control others.
But this is not to be your way of exercising authority. You must exercise authority by
serving others, not dominating them, just as I came not to be served, but to
serve,
and to give my life as a ransom for the world"
Jesus, please help me want to
help and serve other people,
not dominate and control them
Listen
Reflection: Every Christian establishment is meant to be a service centre
-------------------------
Just joking ... not serious ... maybe in the future I can use AI for
mitigation letters. If you put "mitigation letter for prisoner" into
an AI program, up comes a near-perfect letter!
--------------------
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 28th of
the month, Jesus please bless the people 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 Ivory
Coast
And praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Monday,
please pacify I.S.
-----------------------
----------------------
Sun Aug 27
I have received permission from OMI's and from Bishop Stephen to make another
end of year trip to places from which drug mules come to HK ... same aims as
on previous trips: meeting families of prisoners in HK, doing publicity and
meeting local authorities to try to stop people bringing drugs to HK.
Tentative date for trip is in the period between Christmas and Lunar New Year.
Jesus, please bless this trip as you have blessed previous trips!
Laudato
Si:
183.
Environmental impact assessment
should not come after the drawing up of a business proposition or the proposal
of a particular policy, plan or programme. It should be part of the process
from the beginning, and be carried out in a way which is interdisciplinary,
transparent and free of all economic or political pressure. It should be
linked to a study of working conditions and possible effects on people's
physical and mental health, on the local economy and on public safety.
Economic returns can thus be forecast more realistically, taking into account
potential scenarios and the eventual need for further investment to correct
possible undesired effects. A consensus should always be reached between the
different stakeholders, who can offer a variety of approaches, solutions and
alternatives. The local population should have a special place at the table;
they are concerned about their own future and that of their children, and can
consider goals transcending immediate economic interest. We need to stop
thinking in terms of "interventions" to save the environment in
favour of policies developed and debated by all interested parties. The
participation of the latter also entails being fully informed about such
projects and their different risks and possibilities; this includes not just
preliminary decisions but also various follow-up activities and continued
monitoring. Honesty and truth are needed in scientific and political
discussions; these should not be limited to the issue of whether or not a
particular project is permitted by law.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 78
of Church in the
World
------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Sunday 21
Isaiah
51-52: Pay
attention to me, you peoples. Listen to me, you nations. The islands put their
hope in the Lord. They put their trust in his strength. How beautiful on the
mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace and
salvation, and tells Zion "Your God is king!" Break into shouts of
joy, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord is redeeming his people. All
the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Lord, may more and more people in more and more countries know you and love
you.
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
138: I thank you, Lord,
with all my heart. You have heard the words of my mouth. With the angels I
will bless you. I will adore you in your holy temple. I thank you for your
faithfulness and love which are far above what we can understand. On the day I
called you answered. You increased the strength of my soul. All earth's kings
shall thank you when they hear the words of your mouth. They shall sing of the
Lord's ways: "How great is the glory of the Lord!" Though
I walk in the midst of affliction you give me life and frustrate my foes.
Your love, O Lord, is eternal. Do not abandon us whom you have made.
Lord, when we remember how much you love us
and help us, every day of the year is a Thanksgiving Day
Recording
Romans
10-11: If your lips confess
that Jesus is Lord, and if you believe in your heart that God raised him from
the dead, then you will be saved. How wonderful is God! How great his
wisdom and knowledge. What finite creature could ever understand the mind of
our infinite Creator? All
that exists comes from him. To him be glory for ever!
Jesus, Father, Spirit - three persons, one God - to you be glory for
ever!
Recording
Matthew
16.13-20: One day Jesus asked his
disciples "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" The disciples
replied "Some people say you are one of the famous prophets". Jesus
then asked them "And what about you. Who do you say
I am?" Peter answered "You are the Christ, the Son of the living
God". Jesus then said to Peter "Blessed are you, for my Father in
heaven has revealed this to you. So I now say to you: you
are Peter ('the rock') and on this rock I will build my church. I will
give you the keys of the kingdom."
Jesus, Son of God, please help the church to continue your work on earth
Recording
Reflection on the above readings:
Today's readings remind us that Pope Francis is now looking after the keys. Let's often read a bit of Francis' beautiful key teaching each day. His teaching on climate change is urgently needed .... as is his teaching about spreading Gospel values.
-------------
Fr Peter's reflection: 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
-------------------------------
Brisbane
Lions win final game of fixtures. Now for the Finals!
------------------------------
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 27th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people 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 Tanzania
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Sunday,
please bless all Muslims in my country
-----------------------
----------------------
Sat Aug 26
Yesterday morning after 7.15 Mass at St Paul's Parish YMT ... and breakfast back at Dr Jesus Centre ... I went to local doctor to collect medical report for my annual check up two days ago. Result: all clear, not the slightest issue. PSA now normal at 3.75 after being a little bit high the past few years. THANK YOU JESUS! From doctor I went for a swim at Kowloon Park indoor heated pool ... beautiful. Then lunch at Break Through centre in Jordan with some friends to discuss Voice for Prisoners work. Afternoon spent at desk ....
Laudato
Si:
182.
An assessment of the environmental impact of business ventures and projects
demands transparent political
processes involving a free exchange of views. On the other hand, the
forms of corruption which conceal the actual environmental impact of a given
project, in exchange for favours, usually produce specious agreements which
fail to inform adequately and to allow for full debate.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 79
of Church in the
World
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1
Samuel 25-31:
Samuel died and was buried in his home town
of Ramah.
Saul continued to try to capture David. David and his band of 600 soldiers
spent more than a year in Philistine territory. They stayed with
Achish, king of Gath.
They fought against the enemies of Achish.
Achish sent David away when the Philistines
made war on Israel.
Saul and his son Jonathan died in this war.
Dear
God, please protect and help all refugees
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
107: (Desert,
Detention, Death,
Danger!)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His great love is without end. Let them say this, those the Lord has helped,
people from east and west, north and south.
Some people wandered in the desert, lost and unable to find their way to safety.
In their hunger and thirst they cried to the
Lord for help.
He rescued them and showed them the way to safety. Let them thank the Lord for his love,
for he fills the hungry with good things.
Some people were prisoners in misery and
chains,
living in darkness and gloom. In their distress they cried to the Lord for
help.
He rescued them and restored their freedom. Let them thank the Lord for his goodness,
for he shatters the iron bars of prisons.
Some people were sick on account of their
sins,
unable to eat, and close to death. They cried to the Lord in their need.
He healed them and saved them from the grave. Let them thank the Lord for his love,
for the wonders he does for us.
Some people sailed to the sea in ships
and were caught in terrifying
storms. They cried to the Lord in their need
and he calmed the sea and wind. Let them thank the Lord for his love,
for the wonders he does for us.
Whoever is wise should meditate on these
things
and reflect on the love of the Lord.
Thank
you Lord, for your rescuing love
01
02 03
04
2
Peter 1.1-11: From Simon Peter, servant and
apostle of Jesus Christ,
to all who have faith through our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
May you have more and more grace and peace
as you come to know our Lord more and more. By his divine power, he has given
us all we need for life and faith.
He has called us to share his divine nature in his eternal kingdom. So we must do our best to
live
lives of goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, a love for
prayer, kindness and love
Dear Jesus, may I see you more
clearly, love you more dearly,
follow you more nearly, day by day
Listen
Mark
10.28-30: On behalf of all the disciples,
Peter asked Jesus
"What about us? We have left everything to follow you." Jesus replied "You will be
leaders in the church on earth. Anyone who has left home, family
or country for the sake of my name, will receive a 100-fold blessing in
this life,
and will also receive eternal life in Heaven."
Jesus, please bless all Gospel
workers
Listen
Reflection: All human problems belong to one of the 4 parts of Psalm 107, above
------------
Very hot weather ...child to parents: "Will there be
air conditioning in Heaven?"!
------------------------------
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 26th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people 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 Madagascar
And
praying for one Islam-related intention
each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Saturday,
please pacify the
Taliban
------------------------
------------------------
Fri Aug 25
I admit I am biased and prejudiced, but I must say it publicly: MERCYHK'S
CANTEEN AT 191 TEMPLE STREET JORDAN IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
CANTEENS IN HK!! Wait till you see the incredible wall images with
exotic lighting! Thank you Jesus for the people who made the canteen possible
and all who worked to produce such a masterpiece! (who
cares about the food?)
Wrong
person sentenced for drug trafficking
Laudato
Si:
181.
Here, continuity is essential, because policies related to climate change and
environmental protection cannot be altered with every change of government.
Results take time and demand immediate outlays which may not produce tangible
effects within any one government's term. That is why, in the absence of
pressure from the public and from civic institutions, political authorities
will always be reluctant to intervene, all the more when urgent needs must be
met. To take up these responsibilities and the costs they entail, politicians
will inevitably clash with the mindset of short-term gain and results which
dominates present-day economics and politics. But if they are courageous, they
will attest to their God-given dignity and leave behind a testimony of
selfless responsibility. A healthy
politics is sorely needed, capable of reforming and coordinating institutions,
promoting best practices and overcoming undue pressure and bureaucratic
inertia. It should be added, though, that even the best mechanisms can
break down when there are no worthy goals and values, or a genuine and
profound humanism to serve as the basis of a noble and generous society.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My
reflection on Article 78
of Church in the
World
-------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1 Samuel 20-24: Jonathan again tried to help David make peace
with Saul.
But Saul was full of anger and just wanted to kill David. David then became a nomad, roaming from place
to place,
continually pursued by Saul's soldiers. David once had a chance to kill Saul
but David refused to kill him. David said: "Saul is the anointed one of
the Lord.
It is wrong for me to hurt him." Even though Saul hated and hunted David,
David respected and protected Saul.
Dear God, when other
people treat me unkindly,
please help me to be kind to them, as David was kind to Saul
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
106: O give thanks to the Lord for he is
good.
His great love is without end. They are happy who do what is right,
who at all times remember what is just. When our ancestors came out of Egypt,
they forgot the greatness of God's love. Each time they strayed, God forgave them.
But still they continued to forget God who was their saviour,
God who had done such great things for them in Egypt.
O Lord, our God, please don't
let us forget your love
Listen
1
Peter 5.5-14: To everyone else I say: do what the elders
tell you.
Wrap yourselves in humility to be servants of each other.
God refuses the proud and favors the humble. Bow down before the power of God, and he will
raise you up. Unload all your worries on to him, since he is
looking after you. Be calm, but careful, because your enemy the
Devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat.
Stand up to him, strong in faith. Peace to all who are in Christ
Jesus, please protect me from Satan
Listen
Mark
10.17-27: A young man asked Jesus
"Master, what do I have to do to get to Heaven?" Jesus replied "Keep the commandments:
do not kill; do not commit adultery; honor your father and mother;
care for others as much as you care about yourself". The young man said "I have kept all these
commandments.
What else do I need to do?" Jesus said "If you want to do something
really special with your life, go and sell all your possessions, give the
money to the poor,
then come and follow me as one of my disciples". When the young man heard these words he went
away sad,
because he was very rich.
Jesus then said to his disciples
"It is hard for a rich person to get to Heaven".
Jesus, please don't let riches
endanger my eternal life
Listen
Reflection: Over the past few weeks I've met a number of people who have felt the desire "to do something special" .... and have become involved in various projects to help needy people ....e.g. a HK teacher who is now supporting a special school in a poor part of Africa
-------------------------
There's no connection between reading from 1 Peter,
above, and my football team, the Brisbane LIONS!
-------------------------
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 25th
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 25th of the month, Jesus please bless the
people of Lesotho
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Friday,
please bless all Muslims
----------------------------
----------------------------
Thu Aug 24
Yesterday
there were the usual weekly MercyHK gatherings for drug addicts: afternoon at
our Nathan Road centre, for local drug addicts; then in the evening at the Dr
Jesus Centre, for Nepal drug addicts. Last night I also visited a street
sleeper who is in ICU at nearby Kwong Wah Hospital.
A 45 year old woman of Guangdong Province, speaks Cantonese,
Mandarin and English, is looking for job in HK. A most reliable, trustworthy
and diligent person who I know well and highly recommend. If anyone knows of a
job opportunity, pls contact me: jdwomi@gmail.com
Laudato
Si:
180. There are no uniform recipes, because
each country or region has its own problems and limitations. It is also true
that political realism may call for transitional measures and technologies, so
long as these are accompanied by the gradual framing and acceptance of binding
commitments. At the same time, on the national and local levels, much still
needs to be done, such as promoting ways of conserving energy. These would
include favouring forms of industrial production with maximum energy
efficiency and diminished use of raw materials, removing from the market
products which are less energy efficient or more polluting, improving
transport systems, and encouraging the construction and repair of buildings
aimed at reducing their energy consumption and levels of pollution. Political
activity on the local level could also be directed to modifying consumption,
developing an economy of waste disposal and recycling, protecting certain
species and planning a diversified agriculture and the rotation of crops.
Agriculture in poorer regions can be improved through investment in rural
infrastructures, a better organization of local or national markets, systems
of irrigation, and the development of techniques of sustainable agriculture.
New forms of cooperation and community organization can be encouraged in order
to defend the interests of small producers and preserve local ecosystems from
destruction. Truly, much can be done!
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 75
of Church in the
World
-------------------------
The Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1 Samuel 19:
Saul's son Jonathan urged his father not to
hate David,
but Saul again tried to kill David, this time with a spear. David then escaped from his home
and went to live with Samuel at Ramah. Three times Saul sent men to capture David.
Each time they were overcome by the spirit of the Lord
and they went into an ecstasy. Then Saul himself went to Ramah
and he too went into ecstasy.
Dear Lord, please protect
people who are being unfairly treated by others
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
105: Give thanks to the Lord, make known his deeds among all the peoples.
O sing to him, sing his praise.
Tell all his wonderful works. Be proud of his holy name.
Let hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. Consider the Lord and his strength.
Constantly seek his face. Never forget how the Lord has helped us in the
past,
how he has protected Israel from its beginning till now.
Dear
God, please help me understand how you have been loving and protecting me
since the beginning of my life
Listen
1
Peter 5.1-4: To those of you who are elders I say: I am an
elder myself,
a witness to the sufferings of Christ. Be good shepherds of the flock that God has
entrusted to you.
Watch over it, not simply as a duty, or for sordid money,
but gladly, because that's what God wants you to do. Never be a dictator over any group that is in your charge,
but be an example that the whole flock can follow. When the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will be given the crown of unfading glory
Jesus, help pastors and elders be good
shepherds
Listen
John
1.35-51 (for
Feast of St Bartholomew): John
the Baptist told his disciples Andrew and John that Jesus was the Chosen One
of God. Andrew and John then followed Jesus. Andrew took his brother
Simon to Jesus. Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter, and Peter followed Jesus.
Jesus met Philip and said to him "Follow me". Philip called one more
man, Nathanael (Bartholomew)
and said to him "we have found the one Moses and the prophets wrote
about. He is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth"
Jesus, please help me introduce more people to know and love you
Listen
Reflection on the above readings: St Bartholomew (did he go to India??)
---------
For
Feast of St Bartholomew: Doctor
died, went to Pearly Gates, met by an Apostle in long robes. Doctor to
Apostle: "There's something on my conscience. When I was a medical
student at St
Bartholomew's Teaching Hospital in London, I refereed a
football match and I cheated to help St Bartholomew's win the game against
London university". Apostle to doctor: "No problem. Welcome to
Heaven". Doctor to Apostle: "Thank you, St Peter". Apostle to
doctor: "I'm not Peter. I am Bartholomew"!
--------------------
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 24th 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 24th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Djibouti
And praying for one Islam-related
intention each day of the
week:
Jesus, today, Thursday, please pacify Al-Qaeda
----------------------------
Wed Aug 23
Yesterday I was at Tai Lam Women's Prison from 9.30am to 5.00
pm .... sad to meet so many local HK women who have been arrested on drug
trafficking charges .... some of them with large - make that huge - quantities
of drugs. Some other local women on minor charges hopefully might be able to
work at MercyHK's Temple Street canteen in the near future (... our policy is:
jobs only for ex-prisoners). As I was leaving the prison I met a consul from
an embassy in Beijing who was visiting one of their nationals. Consul came
back to Jordan with me for meal with another of their nationals for whom I am
bail security
Laudato
Si:
179.
In some places, cooperatives are being
developed to exploit renewable sources of energy which ensure local
self-sufficiency and even the sale of surplus energy. This simple
example shows that, while the existing world order proves powerless to assume
its responsibilities, local individuals and groups can make a real difference.
They are able to instil a greater sense of responsibility, a strong sense of
community, a readiness to protect others, a spirit of creativity and a deep
love for the land. They are also concerned about what they will eventually
leave to their children and grandchildren. These values are deeply rooted in
indigenous peoples. Because the enforcement of laws is at times inadequate due
to corruption, public pressure has to be exerted in order to bring about
decisive political action. Society, through non-governmental organizations and
intermediate groups, must put pressure on governments to develop more rigorous
regulations, procedures and controls. Unless citizens control political power
national, regional and municipal it will not be possible to control
damage to the environment. Local legislation can be more effective, too, if
agreements exist between neighbouring communities to support the same
environmental policies.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My
reflection on Article 75
of Church
in World
------------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1 Samuel 18:
After one of David's victories against the
Philistines,
the Israelite women came to meet David and Saul singing
"Saul has killed thousands, David tens of thousands." From that day Saul became jealous
of David. Saul realized that the Lord was
with David
and that the people loved David. Saul was filled with jealousy of
David
and wanted to kill him. Saul more and more treated David
like an enemy.
Dear God, please don't let me
jealous of other people
My
recording of this reading
Psalm
104: Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord God, how great you are. You make the clouds your chariot.
You walk on the wings of the wind. You make springs gush forth in the valleys.
They give drink to all the animals of the field. You make grass grow for the cattle
and plants to provide food for people. You give us wine to cheer our hearts
and oil to make our faces shine. You made the moon to mark the months.
The sun knows the time for its setting. How many are your works, O Lord.
In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your riches
and the sea is swarming with life. All things, great and small, look to you for
food.
You open your hand, they have their fill. You send forth your spirit, and life is
created.
You renew the face of the earth. I will sing to the Lord all my
life.
May my thoughts be pleasing to him.
Bless the Lord, my soul!
01
02
1 Peter 2.19-25: If you are treated unfairly, put up with it
for the sake of God. Christ suffered for you and left an example
for you to follow.
He had done nothing wrong. He was insulted and tortured,
but did not retaliate. He bore our sins in his own body on the Cross,
so that we might die to sin and live for holiness. Through his wounds you have been healed.
You were like straying sheep,
but now have come back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls
Jesus, please help me put up with difficulties
for your sake
Listen
Mark
9-10: Some people brought their little
children to Jesus.
They hoped Jesus would put his hands on the children and bless them.
Jesus' disciples told the people to go away
and not bother Jesus.
But Jesus said "Don't stop the little children from coming to
me". Then he put his hands on them and blessed them. Jesus also said "Anyone who welcomes one
of these little children in my name, welcomes me. But anyone who causes
scandal to one of these little ones, commits a great
crime"
Jesus, please help all children
to know you from their earliest days.
Please don't let parents prevent children from coming to you.
Please heal children who have been scandalized by adults
Listen
Reflection: Children have a right to know who their parents are .... and a right to know who their Saviour is
---------------------------
To have enough time to do all my Tai Lam visits in one
day, I usually get a taxi to the prison .... (up to an hour faster than MTR
and mini bus). ... then after prison visit when time doesn't matter, I get a
mini bus and MTR home. Yesterday morning's taxi trip was extra fast ... the
driver went so fast he seemed to be practising for the Macau Grand Prix!
-------------------------
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 23rd
of
the month, Jesus please bless the people 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 Togo
And praying for one
Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Wednesday,
please pacify Al-Shabaab
--------------------------------
-------------------------------
Tues Aug 22
Yesterday I went to West Kowloon Court for a
"mention" for one of the bail cases I'm looking after. Today I'm due
to go to a prison for the day ... and maybe another bail application
Yesterday Eddie, Lucia and Cindy went across the border to
Shenzhen to buy items for MercyHK's canteen which is due to start operating
Please God on Sep 14
Laudato
Si:
178.
A politics concerned with immediate results, supported by consumerist sectors
of the population, is driven to produce short-term growth. In response to
electoral interests, governments are reluctant to upset the public with
measures which could affect the level of consumption or create risks for
foreign investment. The myopia of
power politics delays the inclusion of a far-sighted environmental agenda
within the overall agenda of governments. Thus we forget that "time
is greater than space", that we are always more effective when we
generate processes rather than holding on to positions of power. True
statecraft is manifest when, in difficult times, we uphold high principles and
think of the long-term common good. Political powers do not find it easy to
assume this duty in the work of nation-building.
Pope
asks we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 74
of Church in the
World
---------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Queenship of Mary (.. one week after Assumption 15/8...)
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 and love
My recording of this reading
Psalm
113: Praise, O
friends of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. May the name of the Lord be
blessed both now and for evermore. From
the rising of the sun to its setting, praised be the name of the Lord.
Who is like the Lord our God, above the heavens his glory. From the dust he
lifts up the lowly, to put them in the company of royalty. To the childless
wife he gives a home, and gladdens her heart with children.
May the Lord be praised from sunrise to sunset
Recording
Luke
1.26-38 (a): In
the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the
town of Nazareth in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary who was betrothed to a man
named Joseph. The angel said to her "Mary, Rejoice! You have been greatly
blessed by God. You are to conceive and have a son whom you must name Jesus. He
will be great and will be called the Son of God". Mary said to the
angel, "How can this happen since I am a virgin?"
Recording
Luke
1.26-38 (b): The angel replied "The
Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will specially
bless you. Know this too: your cousin Elizabeth has, in her old age,
conceived a son, and is now in her sixth month". "I am the
handmaid of the Lord", said Mary, "let what you have said, be done
for me". And the angel left her.
God the Son, thank you for becoming a baby in Mary's womb
Recording
Reflection
on the above readings: 
Gentle
Woman
------------------------------
McDonald's has temporarily run out of "Double
Mango". Strawberry replacement ok but not as good as Mango!
-------------------------------
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 22nd
of
the month, Jesus please bless the people 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 Senegal
And praying for one
Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Tuesday,
please pacify Boko
Haram
----------------------------
----------------------------
Mon Aug 21
HK
friends most welcome to attend this sharing on Sep 4 at which I am due to be
the guest speaker:
Notice how one possible name for this
mysterious design is .... GOD! And here's another
most interesting TED talk: History
of the universe in 18 minutes!
Laudato
Si:
177.
Given the real potential for a misuse of human abilities, individual states
can no longer ignore their responsibility for planning, coordination,
oversight and enforcement within their respective borders. How can a society
plan and protect its future amid constantly developing technological
innovations? One authoritative source of oversight and coordination is the
law, which lays down rules for admissible conduct in the light of the common
good. The limits which a healthy, mature and sovereign society must impose are
those related to foresight and security, regulatory norms, timely enforcement,
the elimination of corruption, effective responses to undesired side-effects
of production processes, and appropriate intervention where potential or
uncertain risks are involved. There is a growing jurisprudence dealing with
the reduction of pollution by business activities. But
political and institutional frameworks do not exist simply to avoid bad
practice, but also to promote best practice, to stimulate creativity in
seeking new solutions and to encourage individual or group initiatives.
Pope
asking we re-read documents of Vatican 2.
My reflection on Article 73
of Church in the
World
------------------------
The
Book Blog:
readings + recordings
Readings are from
Simple Bible
1
Samuel 17: The Philistine and Israelite armies prepared
for battle.
The Philistines were on one hill, the Israelites on an opposite hill,
with a valley between them. The Philistines produced a giant warrior,
Goliath,
who challenged the Israelites to find one man to fight him.
Goliath said: "If I win, you become our slaves;
if I am killed, we will become your slaves." For many weeks Goliath issued his
challenge,
but no Israelite soldier was brave enough to fight Goliath. Then David visited the army camp and heard
Goliath's words.
He offered to fight Goliath. Some people made fun of David,
but David knew he would be helped by the
Lord. David took 5 smooth stones from the river bed
and with his sling in his hand he went to fight Goliath. When Goliath saw the young boy David,
Goliath insulted and ridiculed him. But David took out one of his stones
and slung it at Goliath. The stone hit Goliath on the forehead
and he dropped to the ground. David then used Goliath's sword to kill him
and cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their champion
was dead,
they fled in fear, chased by the Israelites who defeated them. Saul put David in charge of his army
and David had many victories. David and Saul's son Jonathan became good
friends.
Dear God, please help me
just as you helped David
01
02
Psalm
103: My soul, give thanks to the Lord.
All my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings. It is he who forgives all your guilt,
who heals every one of your ills. It is he who fills your life with good things,
renewing your youth like an eagle's life. The Lord is compassion and
love,
slow to anger and rich in mercy. As the heavens are high above the earth
so strong is his love for those who love him. As far as the East is from the West,
so far does he remove our sins. As a father has compassion on his
children,
the Lord has pity on all who love and honor him. Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels,
who heed the voice of his word. Give thanks to the Lord, everyone and
everything.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord!
Thank you, Lord, for your love
and compassion
Listen
1
Peter 2.11-15: Keep yourselves free from selfish passions
that attack the soul.
Behave honorably among non-Christians, even if they treat you badly. For the sake of the Lord, accept the authority
of every social institution. God wants you to be good citizens.
Jesus, bless government officials
in our country.
Give them good health, courage and wisdom
Listen
Mark
10.1-12: One day some religious leaders put Jesus to the test by asking him
"Is it against the Law of Moses for a man to divorce his wife?" Jesus replied "God created male and
female, for the two to become united as one body. What God has
united, no one should separate." The religious leaders then asked
"But why did Moses allow divorce?" Jesus replied "Moses allowed divorce
because people were so hard of heart. But divorce was not God's
plan. So I say to you, anyone who walks out on their
partner and marries someone else, is guilty of adultery."
Jesus, please help married
people stay together
Listen
Reflection: Both St Paul and St Peter allowed for dissolution/remarriage in special cases: The Pauline Privilege; The Petrine Privilege
-------------------------
Call for cooler prisons (above) reminds me of slang for a
prison: a cooler!
--------------------
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 21st of
the month, Jesus please bless the people of Yunnan
And
praying for one of the
world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 21st
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Afghanistan
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
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++