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

My other sites/links     

Tues Dec 3

 472 years ago today, in 1552, on a remote island off the coast of China, Saint Francis Xavier died. He could see China some 14km across the sea, but could not enter it. In the months before he died, he offered up his suffering that someone else might follow him and enter China. On October 6, 1552, Matteo Ricci was born in Italy. Xavier's prayer was answered two months before he died. With hindsight, we can see that for the spread of the Gospel in China, Ricci's cultural approach was a more suitable missionary method than Xavier's direct evangelisation. Maybe this is why God allowed Xavier to leave the scene without entering China.

Xavier died on the island today known as Shangchuan. I've been privileged to visit there a number of times: e.g. 1993 & 2005. But only after checking above Wiki article did I know that the name "Shangchuan" means "Saint John"!

 

13 charged in Australia's largest cocaine bust of two tonnes!

 

Do not forget Sudan

 

   My Gaza Prayer *** Latest reports

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

38. That same Jesus is now waiting for you to give him the chance to bring light to your life, to raise you up and to fill you with his strength. Before his death, he assured his disciples, “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me” (Jn 14:18-19). Jesus always finds a way to be present in your life, so that you can encounter him.

 

Synod Final Document - Pope asking us to put it into practice:

6. We cannot deny that we have faced fatigue, resistance to change and the temptation to let our own ideas prevail over listening to the Gospel and the practice of discernment. Yet, the mercy of God, our most loving Father, purifies our hearts, thus enabling us to continue along this journey. Acknowledging this, we began the Second Session of the Assembly with a penitential vigil, through which, feeling our shame, we asked forgiveness for our sins, and we lifted up our prayers for the victims of the evils of the world. We identified our sins: against peace, against Creation, against indigenous peoples, migrants, children, women, and those who are poor, in our failure to listen and to seek communion. We were brought to a renewed understanding, namely, that synodality requires repentance and conversion. In celebrating the sacrament of the mercy of God, we experience unconditional love: the hardness of heart is conquered, and we open ourselves to communion. This is why we want to be a merciful Church, capable of sharing with everyone the forgiveness and reconciliation that come from God: the pure grace of which we are not masters but only witnesses

 

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

Numbers 13-14: Moses sent some men to reconnoiter the land of Canaan. After some weeks the men returned and reported that the land was fertile and rich. But most of the men also said that the towns of Canaan were too well fortified for the Israelites to capture. They said that the Canaanites were too strong for the Israelites. Only Caleb and Joshua had the trust in God and courage to do battle with the Canaanites. Just as the rest of the people were thinking of stoning Joshua and Caleb, the glory of God appeared at the Sacred Tent. God then said that all the men aged twenty and over who had refused to go to Canaan would indeed never see Canaan: they would keep on traveling in the desert until they died. Canaan would not be entered by the Israelites until all the men aged twenty and over had died, excepting Caleb and Joshua. The reconnoiter men who inspired the rebellion were all struck dead that day
Dear God, please give me more courage to face the trials of life, and don't let me ever discourage other people
01 02

 

Psalm 123: To you have I lifted up my eyes, you who dwell in the heavens. My eyes, like the eyes of slaves on the hand of their lords. Like the eyes of a servant on the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the Lord our God till he show us mercy. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. We are filled with contempt. Indeed all too full is our soul with the scorn of the rich, with the proud man's disdain. Lord, please protect poor people from being exploited by rich people
Listen

 

Revelation 5.11-14: I heard the sound of an immense number of angels gathered around God's throne. There were 10,000 times 10,000 of them, shouting: "The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy  to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing". I heard all living things in creation - angels, people, animals - crying out: "To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb, be all praise, honor, glory and power for ever and ever"
"Thou are worthy, Thou art worthy, Thou are worthy O Lord, to receive glory, glory and honor, glory and honor and power"
Listen

Luke 4.38-44: Jesus went to the home of Simon Peter. Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus was asked to help her. He bent over her, rebuked the fever and it left her. She immediately got up and served her guests. After the Sabbath finished at sunset, everyone who had sick friends brought them to Jesus. Laying his hands on each of them, he healed them. The next morning Jesus got up early and went to a lonely place to pray.  People found him and asked him not to leave the area. But he replied "I must proclaim the Good News of the kingdom of God to other towns too, because that is what I was sent to do"
Jesus, heal my friend ... (name)... who is sick
Listen

     

Reflection: Healing the sick was a major part of Jesus' ministry ... and should be a major part of Christian ministry

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 The world's most famous doctor? DR JESUS!
 

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

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 3rd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Gansu

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 3rd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Chad

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

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Mon Dec 2

    My Gaza Prayer *** Video: US surgeon breaks down while readings letters from doctors in Gaza

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

37. If we find it hard to trust others because we have been hurt by lies, injuries and disappointments, the Lord whispers in our ear: “Take heart, son!” (Mt 9:2), “Take heart, daughter!” (Mt 9:22). He encourages us to overcome our fear and to realize that, with him at our side, we have nothing to lose. To Peter, in his fright, “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him”, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:31). Nor should you be afraid. Let him draw near and sit at your side. There may be many people we distrust, but not him. Do not hesitate because of your sins. Keep in mind that many sinners “came and sat with him” (Mt 9:10), yet Jesus was scandalized by none of them. It was the religious élite that complained and treated him as “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Mt 11:19). When the Pharisees criticized him for his closeness to people deemed base or sinful, Jesus replied, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Mt 9:13).

 

Synod Final Document - Pope asking us to put it into practice:

5. Rooted in the Tradition of the Church, the entire synodal journey took place in the light of the conciliar Magisterium. The Second Vatican Council was indeed like a seed thrown onto the field of the world and the Church. The daily life of believers, the experience of the Churches in every people and culture, the many testimonies of holiness, and the reflection of theologians represented the soil upon which it has taken root and grown. The Synod 2021-2024 continues to draw upon the energy of that seed and develop its potential, putting into practice what the Council taught about the Church as Mystery and Church as People of God, called to holiness through a continual conversion that comes from listening to the Gospel. In this sense, the synodal journey constitutes a further act of reception of the Council, thus deepening its inspiration and reinvigorating its prophetic force for today’s world.

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

Numbers 12: Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, started complaining against Moses. So God called Moses, Aaron and Miriam to the Sacred Tent. God said: "Moses is at home in my house and I speak with him face to face. You were wrong to speak against my servant Moses". When God finished speaking Miriam had become a leper. Moses pleaded with God for Miriam. Miriam was exiled from the camp for seven days and then the leprosy left her 
Dear God, please help me not to complain so much about other people
My recording of this reading

Psalm 122: I rejoiced when I heard them say "Let us go to God's house." And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. For the peace of Jerusalem pray "Peace be to your homes." For love of the house of the Lord I will ask for your good.
Lord, may your peace be in our hearts and homes
Listen

 

Revelation 5.1-10: I saw a sealed scroll that no one could open. Then I saw a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. The Lamb took the scroll, and the 24 elders sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals because you were sacrificed, and by your blood you ransomed us for God out of every race, language, people and nation". 
Jesus, Lamb of God in heaven. We praise you Lord
Listen

Luke 4.31-37: Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee. On the Sabbath day he taught in the local prayer hall. In the hall there was a man possessed by a devil which shouted "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God". Jesus said sharply "Be quiet! Come out of him". And the devil left the man without hurting him. People in the hall said "He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey him". Jesus' reputation continued to spread through the district
Jesus, please protect my family from evil
Listen

Reflection: Many people these days don't believe in "unclean spirits". But anyone who has had anything to do with people caught up in Satan worship knows that unclean spirits are real and dangerous

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  The people of which country always have a good appetite? Hungary!

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

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 2nd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Fujian

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month: 
On this 2nd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Central African Republic

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

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Dec 1
First Sun of Advent

 My ideas for Advent Liturgy ... I would like the First Sun of Advent to be the Feast of St Nicholas, Santa Sunday! Nicholas was a bishop, he helped the poor; let's reclaim him and make Advent/Christmas a time for helping the poor, a time for giving rather than receiving.

   My Gaza Prayer *** Latest reports

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

36. Whenever Jesus healed someone, he preferred to do it, not from a distance but in close proximity: “He stretched out his hand and touched him” ( Mt 8:3). “He touched her hand” ( Mt 8:15). “He touched their eyes” ( Mt 9:29). Once he even stopped to cure a deaf man with his own saliva (cf. Mk 7:33), as a mother would do, so that people would not think of him as removed from their lives. “The Lord knows the fine science of the caress. In his compassion, God does not love us with words; he comes forth to meet us and, by his closeness, he shows us the depth of his tender love”. 

 

Synod Final Document - Pope asking us to put it into practice:

4. This call is based upon a shared baptismal identity. It is rooted in the diversity of contexts in which the Church is present and finds unity in the one Father, one Lord, and one Spirit. It challenges all the baptised, without exception: “The whole People of God is an agent of the proclamation of the Gospel. Every baptised person is called to be an instrument of mission since we are all missionary disciples” (ITC 53). For this reason, the synodal journey directs us towards a full and visible unity of Christians, as the presence of delegates of other Christian traditions testifies. Unity ferments within the holy Church of God, prophetically so, for the entire world.

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The Book Blog: 
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

c.f. readings for Advent 1

 

Psalms 24-26: The Lord's is the earth and all its peoples. It is the Lord who is Creator of the universe. May all hearts open their doors to the Lord. Let him enter, the king of glory. Lord I hope in you all the day long. Forgive my sins and help me walk in your truth.
God my savior, teach me your way of truth
 Listen

 

1 Thessalonians 4.1-11: We urge you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus to make more and more progress in the kind of life you are meant to live. God wants you to be holy. He wants you to keep away from fornication. Live life peacefully. Get a decent job and earn your living.
Jesus, make me be a better person, a better Christian
 Listen

Luke 21.3-38: Jesus said to his disciples that Jerusalem would be destroyed and its people scattered throughout the world. He also spoke of how his followers would be persecuted,  and of the end of the world: "The planets will be shaken, nations will be in agony,  bewildered by the force of the oceans. Then they will see me coming in a cloud with great power and glory. To prepare for your own end of earthly life, stay faithful to prayer and goodness. Don't let your heart be coarsened by debauchery, drunkenness and material cares". In this his final week on earth, Jesus spent the daytime in the Temple, teaching. From early morning the people would gather round him to listen to him. Then he would spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 
Jesus, help me be faithful to prayer and goodness
 Listen

 

Reflection on the above readings: One theme we can think about for this Advent: making progress (1 Thessalonians, above). Whether it's losing weight, improving in sport or music or language or anything else .... there's one essential ingredient: daily effort! 

 

Reflection by Fr Peter: English  Chinese

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Video commentary on today's readings - in Italian, Chinese, English, and Spanish (+ Cantonese audio)

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Hour of Love HK radio program 8.00 pm HK time tonight - with items about HK prison inmates

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

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 1st of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Anhui

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 1st of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Niger

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

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Sat Nov 30

Yesterday afternoon two groups of students (40 +25) from Yau Ma Tei Catholic Primary School paid visits to MercyHK's centre for homeless people at 192 Shanghai Street. A very happy occasion! God bless the students and their teachers and parents who were at 192 yesterday!

 

  My Gaza Prayer *** I was suspended from Israel's Knesset for highlighting the tyranny of Netanyahu

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

35. This becomes clear when we see Jesus at work. He seeks people out, approaches them, ever open to an encounter with them. We see it when he stops to converse with the Samaritan woman at the well where she went to draw water (cf. Jn 4:5-7). We see it when, in the darkness of night, he meets Nicodemus, who feared to be seen in his presence (cf. Jn 3:1-2). We marvel when he allows his feet to be washed by a prostitute (cf. Lk 7:36-50), when he says to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you” (Jn 8:11), or again when he chides the disciples for their indifference and quietly asks the blind man on the roadside, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mk 10:51). Christ shows that God is closeness, compassion and tender love.

 

Synod Final Document - Pope asking us to put it into practice:

3. Since 2021, when the Holy Father embarked the Church upon this synodal journey, we have been discovering its richness and fruitfulness more and more. We began by listening, taking care to grasp in the many voices “what the Spirit is saying to the Churches” (Rev. 2: 7). The journey began with the vast consultation of the People of God in our dioceses and eparchies and continued with the national and continental stages. This cycle of dialogue has been continually reinvigorated by the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops through the Synthesis Reports and Working Documents. The celebration of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in its two sessions has permitted us today to present to the Holy Father and to all the Churches this witness to what we have experienced and the fruit of our discernment for a renewed missionary impulse. During each stage, the journey was characterised by the wisdom of the “sense of faith” (sensus fidei) of the People of God. Step by step, we came to understand that at the heart of the Synod 2021-2024. For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission there is a call to joy and to the renewal of the Church in  following the Lord, in committing to service of His mission, and in searching for ways to be faithful.

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

c.f. readings for Feast of Saint Andrew

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.
 My recording of this reading

Psalm 117: O Praise the Lord, all you nations. Acclaim him, all you peoples! Strong is his love for us. He is faithful for ever.
May all the nations love and praise you, Lord
 Recording

 

John 6.1-15(a): Near the Sea of Galilee, a large crowd followed Jesus, attracted by the way he healed so many sick people. Jesus climbed a hillside and sat there with his disciples. Seeing the huge crowd, Jesus said to one of his disciples  "How can we feed so many people?" The disciple Andrew said "There's a young boy here with 5 loaves and 2 fish. But what good is that for such a huge crowd?"
 Recording
 
 

John 6.1-15 (b): Jesus said "Make the people sit down". The crowd of about 20,000 sat down on the grass. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all the people. He did the same with the fish. Everyone ate as much as they wanted to. The people, seeing this miracle, said "He really is God's great prophet". Jesus, aware that they wanted to make him king, slipped away and went up the hill by himself
Jesus, please bless my prayers and actions to help others, just as you blessed the loaves and fish
 Recording

Reflection on the above Bible readings: Andrew the Apostle 

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  To go with today's Gospel:
Saint Andrew's Fish & Chips! 

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

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 30th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Shanghai & Tianjin

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 30th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Rwanda & Uganda

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

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Fri Nov 1

Yesterday a visitor to MercyHK's canteen recommended this 5 min video: The Other Pair

 

  Letter from a HK man in prison in HK for fraud. How he chose the wrong way to deal with his economic problems, his hardship in prison, his warning to others not to make the same mistake - here (July 2)

   My Gaza Prayer *** Lebanon ceasefire may mean more horror and death in Gaza (Simon Tisdall)

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

34. The Gospel tells us that Jesus “came to his own” (cf. Jn 1:11). Those words refer to us, for the Lord does not treat us as strangers but as a possession that he watches over and cherishes. He treats us truly as “his own”. This does not mean that we are his slaves, something that he himself denies: “I do not call you servants” (Jn 15:15). Rather, it refers to the sense of mutual belonging typical of friends. Jesus came to meet us, bridging all distances; he became as close to us as the simplest, everyday realities of our lives. Indeed, he has another name, “Emmanuel”, which means “God with us”, God as part of our lives, God as living in our midst. The Son of God became incarnate and “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave” (Phil 2:7).

 

Synod Final Document - Pope asking us to put it into practice:

2. Contemplating the Risen One, we recall that “we have been baptised into his death” (Rom. 6: 3). We have seen the mark of His wounds transfigured by a new life, yet engraved forever in His humanity. These are wounds that continue to bleed in the bodies of many brothers and sisters, including as a result of our own actions. Looking upon the Lord does not distance us from the tragedies of history. Instead, it opens our eyes to the suffering of those around us, and we are pierced: the faces of war-stricken terrorised children, weeping mothers, the shattered dreams of so many young people, refugees who face terrible journeys, the victims of climate change and social injustice. Their sufferings have resounded among us not only via the media but also through the voices of many amongst us in our Assembly whose families and peoples have been directly involved in these tragic events. In the days during which we have been gathered, wars have continued to cause death and destruction, a desire for revenge and a loss of conscience. We join Pope Francis in his repeated appeals for peace, condemning the logic of violence, hatred and revenge and committing ourselves to promoting the logic of dialogue, fellowship and reconciliation. Genuine and lasting peace is possible, and together, we can build it. “The joys and hopes and the sorrows and anxieties of people today, especially of those who are poor and afflicted” (GS 1) have been once again the joys and sorrows of all of us, Christ’s disciples.

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

Numbers 11: Some of the Israelites started complaining about not having meat to eat, only manna. So God arranged for quails to land near the camp and be easily caught for food. About this time Moses selected seventy men to help him care for the people. God blessed the seventy men and they began to prophesy. Moses said "I wish the whole people of God could be prophets, and God would give his Spirit to them all".
Dear God, please pour out your Holy Spirit on the whole human family
My recording of this reading

 

Psalms 120-121: I call to the Lord in the hour of my distress: "Lord save me from people who speak with lying lips". Long enough have I been dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but they are for fighting. I lift up my eyes to the mountains. From where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. The Lord is our guard and our shade. Day and night we shall not be afraid. The Lord will guard our going and coming both now and forever. 
Lord, please protect us from danger, day and night
Listen

 

Revelation 4.1-11: In my vision I saw a door open in heaven. The same voice as before said to me "Come up here. I will show you what is to come in the future".  I saw God in all his glory, being worshipped by the angels who sang: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty". And I saw 24 elders around the throne. They were praising God saying "You are our Lord and our God. You are worthy of glory and honor and power because you are the Creator of the universe". 
"Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God, Almighty. Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee"
Listen

 

Luke 4.23-30: People in the prayer hall rejected Jesus. "Who does he think he is?" they asked. "He's just the son of Joseph". Jesus replied "No prophet is ever accepted in his own country". The angry people then took Jesus by force to the edge of the hill on which  Nazareth was built. They planned to throw him down the cliff. But Jesus escaped from them and went away
Jesus, please forgive people who reject you. Please help them accept you
Listen

Reflection: Today's Gospel is the second time people tried to kill Jesus (first time was at Bethlehem .... Herod)

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 One of the bail cases for whom I am surety is very happy these days: his adult daughters and son are here for a few days to visit him

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

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 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, Friday, please bless all Muslims

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Thu Nov 28

Yesterday I joined other MercyHK staff for a meeting at Sham Shui Po with Yau Ma Tei parish priest Fr Stephen Yip who works closely with MercyHK .... to discuss a plan to help some of the many drug addicts in SSP .... especially those who live at the "Tent City" in a local park (which we visited after the meeting) 

 

  My Gaza Prayer  *** Latest reports

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

33. Christ showed the depth of his love for us not by lengthy explanations but by concrete actions. By examining his interactions with others, we can come to realize how he treats each one of us, even though at times this may be difficult to see. Let us now turn to the place where our faith can encounter this truth: the word of God.

 

Synod Final Document - Pope asking us to put it into practice:

1. Every new step in the life of the Church is a return to the source. It is a renewed experience of the disciples’ encounter with the Risen One in the Upper Room on Easter evening. Like them, during this synodal Assembly, we, too, felt enfolded in His mercy and drawn to His beauty. We felt His presence in our midst as we lived conversation in the Spirit and listened to one another: the presence of He, who, in bestowing the Holy Spirit, continues to build among His people a unity that establishes harmony amidst differences.

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

Numbers 10: The Israelites made two silver trumpets. When both trumpets sounded, the whole community would go to where Moses was. When only one trumpet sounded, only the leaders would assemble. The trumpets were also used on special feast days, to remind the people to praise God
Dear God, when we hear trumpets being used in an orchestra or band, may their sound remind us of you 
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 119: They are happy who follow God's word, those who seek God with all their hearts. How can young people avoid evil? By seeking you and obeying you, Lord. Open my eyes, Lord, that I may understand the beauty of your word. Lord, when I'm worried or in trouble, your word revives me and gives me strength. Lord, keep my eyes from what is false. Bend my heart to your word and not to love of gain. The word from your mouth means more to me than silver and gold. The unfolding of your word gives light and teaches simple people.
Lord, thank you for your word which gives peace to our hearts
Listen

 

Revelation 3.14-17: He gave me this message for the church in Laodicea: "You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other. But since you are lukewarm, you are cutting yourself off from me. You are rich in this word's goods, but you are spiritually poor. Listen to this message and repent"
Jesus, please don't ever let me become a lukewarm Christian
Listen

 

 

Luke 4.14-22: Jesus, with the power of the Spirit in him, returned to Galilee. He taught in local prayer halls. His reputation spread. He came to his home town of Nazareth and went to the prayer hall on the Sabbath day as he usually did. He stood up and read these words from the prophet Isaiah: "The spirit of the Lord has been given to me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to set the downtrodden free". Jesus then sat down and said to the people in the prayer hall "These words from Isaiah are being fulfilled today even as you listen"
Jesus, please help me be more open to the power of your Spirit. O Holy Spirit, please increase your influence in my life
  Listen

Reflection: As a prison chaplain I especially like the words in today's Gospel "liberty to prisoners"!

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  One month from today I'm due to go overseas for another anti-drug campaign trip. A lot of homework to do before then ... .the next month is going to be very busy!

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

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

And praying for 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, Thursday, please pacify Al-Qaeda

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Wed Nov 27

Large photo of Nov 14 blessing by Cardinal John Tong of MercyHK's Shanghai Street Centre for homeless people - here *** And photo of visit by Mr Kesson Lee, HK Narcotics Commissioner, to MercyHK's centre at 557 Nathan Road on Oct 2 - here

 

  My Gaza Prayer *** Latest reports

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

32. The heart of Christ, as the symbol of the deepest and most personal source of his love for us, is the very core of the initial preaching of the Gospel. It stands at the origin of our faith, as the wellspring that refreshes and enlivens our Christian beliefs.

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

Numbers 9: Whenever the Israelites pitched camp the Cloud of God's presence covered the Sacred Tent. From nightfall until morning, the Cloud took the appearance of fire. Whenever the Cloud lifted above the Tent, the Israelites broke camp. Wherever the Cloud stopped, there the Israelites pitched camp. Sometimes the Cloud stayed in one place for one day, sometimes for a month, sometimes a year. However long the Cloud stayed above the Tent the Israelites remained in camp. In this way they pitched camp and broke camp at the Lord's command
The Cloud in Christian tradition is understood to be God the Holy Spirit, so we can pray:   Dear Holy Spirit, please lead me and guide me just as you guided the Israelites through the desert
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 118: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love has no end. Let the sons of Israel say: "His love has no end." Let those who honor the Lord say: "His love has no end." It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. I was falling, falling, falling, but the Lord was my helper. The Lord is my strength and my song. He is my saviour. The Lord's right hand has triumphed. His right hand has raised me up. I shall not die, I shall live and recount all his deeds. The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes. This day was made by the Lord. We rejoice and are glad.
Lord, we give thanks to you, for you are good. Your love has no end
Listen

Revelation 3.7-9: He gave me this message for the church in Philadelphia: "I am opening a new door of opportunity for you to spread the Good News. I will move people to accept the Good News from you. I will keep you safe in time of trial"
Jesus, please give me more opportunities to spread the Good News
Listen

 

 

Luke 4.1-14: Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. For 40 days he ate nothing, and was tempted by the Devil. The Devil said "If you are the Son of God, turn a stone into bread". Jesus replied "Scripture says we do not live on bread alone". The Devil took him to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of the world. "Worship me and they will all be yours" he said.
Jesus replied "Scripture says we must worship only God". Then the Devil took him to the top of the Temple in Jerusalem and said "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down and let the angels protect you. Jesus replied "Scripture says we must not put the Lord our God to the test".  The Devil then left him
Jesus, protect us from the Devil and all evil
  Listen

 

Reflection on the above readings: A small child holding the hand of mother of father as they walk along the street ....very safe. But if child leaves that hand ....dangerous ...traffic etc. Same with us and Jesus .... awareness of Jesus' presence protects us

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 Last night I had a meal at MercyHK's canteen with a local man released last week after 10 years in prison. A very special friend I first met in Lai Chi Kok prison and visited also at other prisons. Jesus, pls keep him safe and help him find a good job soon!

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

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

And praying for people in one part of China 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, Wednesday, please pacify Al-Shabaab 

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   Africa: 

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

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

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

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

2016: My trip to Kenya, Uganda

2015: My trip to Tanzania, Malawi

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 Latin America:

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

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

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

2018: My trip to Latin America

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South East Asia:

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

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

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

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

Dec 2018 - My Jan 2019 trip to Malaysia

2018: My trip to Thailand and Cambodia

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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

July 16, 2017: Stay away - letter writing by South American inmates in HK is deterring drug trafficking, says prison chaplain

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My anti-drug campaign sites 
(skillfully managed by kind HK friends):

www.voiceforprisoners.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nomasmulas/

Facebook: Chinese no more mules page

http://hkdrugblog.org/name-and-shame/index.htm

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Photos from my time in China 2001-20008

Other photos 1957 to present

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Best of Smiles

Classics

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