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 10

Yesterday afternoon a group of about 20 parishioners from the cathedral parish visited the Dr Jesus Centre in Temple Street and then MercyHK's centre for homeless people in nearby Shanghai Street ....where the staff these days are extra busy processing new cases every day and distributing warm clothing for the present cold weather

 

   My Gaza Prayer *** Israel kills 22 people in Gaza looking for food

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

45. The Gospel makes no secret of Jesus’ love for Jerusalem: “As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it” (Lk 19:41). He then voiced the deepest desire of his heart: “If you had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Lk 19:42). The evangelists, while at times showing him in his power and glory, also portray his profound emotions in the face of death and the grief felt by his friends. Before recounting how Jesus, standing before the tomb of Lazarus, “began to weep” (Jn 11:35), the Gospel observes that, “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (Jn 11:5) and that, seeing Mary and those who were with her weeping, “he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved” (Jn 11:33). The Gospel account leaves no doubt that his tears were genuine, the sign of inner turmoil. Nor do the Gospels attempt to conceal Jesus’ anguish over his impending violent death at the hands of those whom he had loved so greatly: he “began to be distressed and agitated” (Mk 14:33), even to the point of crying out, “I am deeply grieved, even to death” (Mk 14:34). This inner turmoil finds its most powerful expression in his cry from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mk 15:34).

 

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

14. The Church exists to bear witness in the world to the most decisive moment in history: the Resurrection of Jesus. The Risen Christ brings peace to the world and gives us the gift of His Spirit. The living Christ is the source of true freedom, the foundation for a hope that does not disappoint, the revelation of the true face of God and humanity’s ultimate destiny. The Gospels tell us that in order to enter into Easter faith and become witnesses to it, it is necessary to acknowledge our own inner emptiness, the darkness of fear, doubt and sin. Yet those who, in the midst of darkness, find the courage to set out as searchers discover that they themselves are the ones being sought. They are being called by name, offered forgiveness, and, in turn, sent out to their brothers and sisters together

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

Numbers 20: The Israelites arrived at Kadesh in the desert of Zin. They had no water, and complained bitterly to Moses and Aaron. Moses and Aaron pleaded with God for help. God told Moses to hit a rock with a branch and in this way, order the rock to give water. Water did in fact flow when Moses hit the rock, but through lack of faith, Moses hit it twice. So God said to Moses and Aaron: "Because you did not fully trust me, therefore you will not lead the people to the promised land". When the Israelites moved on from Kadesh, they asked the Edomites for permission to go through their land. But the Edomites refused this request. Later, on Mount Hor, Aaron died and was succeeded as High Priest by his son Eleazar
Dear God, please increase our trust in you
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 128: O blessed are those who love the Lord and walk in his ways. By the labor of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper: your wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house; your children like shoots of the olive, around your table. Indeed thus shall be blessed the people who love and honor the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life. May you see your children's children in a happy Jerusalem! On Israel, peace!
Dear Lord, may all married people live to see their children's children
Listen

 

Revelation 13.2-12: The dragon gave authority and power to a beast with seven heads. For a time, the beast waged war on the saints. Then I saw a second beast. It was a servant of the first beast, and made people everywhere worship the first beast
Father, Son and Holy Spirit - may people worship you, and not worship Satan and the two beasts
Listen

 

Luke 6.1-5: One Sabbath day Jesus and his disciples were walking through a cornfield.  The disciples were hungry. They picked some ears of corn and ate them. Picking corn on the Sabbath was regarded as unlawful by the Pharisees. So the Pharisees said to Jesus "Your disciples are breaking the Sabbath law". Jesus replied "Don't you remember what King David and his followers once did when they were hungry? They ate the Temple bread which only the priests were allowed to eat. I am Master of the Sabbath"
Jesus,  please help me understand that love is more important than law
Listen

Reflection: Unfortunately, sadly, Satan worship (c.f. Revelation, above) happens in most parts of the world

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 Pastor's Christmas joke:
Just as I began my Christmas Eve service, the electricity in the church failed. The ushers and I found some candles and placed them around the sanctuary. Then I re-entered the pulpit, shuffled my notes, and muttered, "Now, where was I?" A tired voice called out, "Right near the end!"
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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 10th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Hubei

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

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

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Mon Dec 9

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary by her mother Anne (transferred from Dec 8 since yesterday was a Sunday)

This feast reminds us that it is possible to defeat evil - e.g. the evil of drugs. Drug taking/trafficking can be stopped. Whenever evil wins a battle, it can still lose the war. From defeats by evil, greater goodness than previously thought possible, can become possible. Beautiful prayer for today by Pope Francis 

 

  My Gaza Prayer *** The forensic medical report found that Naji had been hit by four bullets – one in the pelvis, another in the foot, the third through his heart and the fourth in the shoulder.
- in this report about 14 year old boy killed by Israeli soldiers while he was playing football

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

44. Jesus’ words show that his holiness did not exclude deep emotions. On various occasions, he demonstrated a love that was both passionate and compassionate. He could be deeply moved and grieved, even to the point of shedding tears. It is clear that Jesus was not indifferent to the daily cares and concerns of people, such as their weariness or hunger: “I have compassion for this crowd... they have nothing to eat... they will faint on the way, and some of them have come from a great distance” (Mk 8:2-3).

 

 

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

13. We encounter three disciples on Easter Morning: Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and the disciple whom Jesus loved. Each of them is seeking the Lord in his or her own way; each has his or her own part to play in enabling the light of hope to dawn. Mary Magdalene is so driven by love that she is the first at the tomb. Alerted by her, Peter and the Beloved Disciple make their way to the tomb. The Beloved Disciple races to the tomb with all the strength of youth. He looks intently; he is the first to understand, yet he lets Peter go first, he who is the elder, entrusted with the responsibility of leading. Peter, weighed down by his renunciation of the Lord, has an appointment with mercy, the mercy which he will minister in the Church. Mary remains in the garden. She hears herself called by name. She recognises the Lord. He commissions her to proclaim his Resurrection to the community of disciples. For this reason, the Church recognises her as Apostle of the Apostles. Their dependence on one another embodies the heart of synodality.

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible
c.f. readings for Immaculate Conception

Genesis 3: A creature hostile to God took the form of a snake and tempted the first man and first woman. The snake tempted them to disobey God. When God asked them why they disobeyed him, the man blamed the woman, and the woman blamed the snake. God said to the snake: "You are the enemy of the human race. Someday a member of the human race will defeat you." God said to the man and woman: "From dust you came  and to dust you will return." The first man's name was Adam (meaning "man"). The first woman's name was Eve (meaning "life").
Dear God, please help me understand how evil in the world started when Adam and Eve disobeyed you
My recording of this reading 

 

Psalm 98: Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders. His right hand has brought salvation. The Lord has made known his salvation. He has shown his justice to the nations. He has remembered his truth and love for the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord all the earth, ring out your joy. Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp, with the sound of music. Let the sea, the world and all peoples acclaim the King, the Lord. Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy at the presence of the Lord, for he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with fairness.
Lord, may all peoples in all countries know your love and goodness
 Recording

 

 

 

Luke 1: 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?" 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 readings:

Mary got involved, from start to finish - Mary a model re Pope Francis' words "get out", "get involved", "look outwards"

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  Christmas preparations are now being made by MercyHK staff .... a number of activities and outings being arranged. ....and 200 Santa caps arriving yesterday!

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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 9th 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 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, Monday, please pacify I.S.

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Dec 8 

2nd Sun of Advent

Hymns for Advent - beautiful! (1.2m views)

 My ideas for Advent Liturgy ... I would like the 2ne Sun of Advent to be Annunciation Sunday. Many Catholics  have never heard the Gospel of Luke  1.26 at Sunday Mass

 

Asia's response to Australia's ban on social media for under 16's

 

Message from Fr Luis, O.M.I. General Leader, for Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec 8)

 

 

   My Gaza Prayer *** Bodies on street after Israel attacks hospital in Northern Gaza (SHAME, USA FOR ENABLING THIS GENOCIDE. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!)

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

43. Although the Scriptures preserve Jesus’ words, ever alive and timely, there are moments when he speaks to us inwardly, calls us and leads us to a better place. That better place is his heart. There he invites us to find fresh strength and peace: “Come to me, all who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). In this sense, he could say to his disciples, “Abide in me” (Jn 15:4).

 

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

12. The development of the Final Document is guided by the Gospel Resurrection narratives. The race to the tomb on Easter morning and the appearances of the Risen One in the Upper Room and on the lakeshore inspired our discernment and enriched our dialogue. We invoked the Easter gift of the Holy Spirit, asking Him to teach us what we must do and show us the way forward together. With this document, the Assembly recognises and bears witness that synodality, a constitutive dimension of the Church, is already part of the experience of many of our communities. At the same time, it suggests pathways to follow, practices to implement and horizons to explore. 

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

c.f. readings for Advent 2

Isaiah 36-40: "Console my people, console them" says the Lord. A voice cries out "Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord. Make a straight highway for our God across every desert. Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all people will see the Lord's glory." Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger to Zion. Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Jerusalem. Shout to the towns of Judah "Here is your God".
Lord, please help me prepare your way into my heart, into  my family, into my world
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 126: When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs. What marvels the Lord worked for us. Indeed we were glad. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. They go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing. They come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.
Dear God, please bless all people who are sorrowful as they work
 Listen

 

Philippians 1.1-9: From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the believers in the Church at Philippi. We wish you the grace and peace of  God our Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God whenever I think of you. Every time I pray for you, I pray with joy, remembering how you helped to spread the Good News. You have a permanent place in my heart. God knows how much I miss you. I love you as Christ Jesus loves you. My prayer is that your love for each other will increase more and more, helping you always to know what is good and to avoid what is bad. 
Jesus, thank you for all the people who have a permanent place in my heart
 Listen

 

Luke 3.1-6: In the 15th year of the Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, Herod was ruler of Galilee and during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, God's message entered the heart of John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. John went through the whole Jordan River area proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. This had been foretold by the prophet Isaiah when he said "A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord"
Jesus, help us prepare your way, like John 
 Listen

Reflection on the above readings:  God's rescuing/saving help is available 24/7. So what is stopping people addicted to drugs or other things from receiving that help? Mountains of delusion need to be flattened .... valleys of depression/fear need to be filled in. And how can this be done? Bit like asking a drowning person to save themselves? Persons themselves need to be as honest as they can with God ... and usually someone else needs to help prepare a way for the Lord to enter their hearts. How prepare? By prayer/friendship/compassion and practical help.

 

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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  A man sent his friend a Christmas card. It said: A B C D E F G H I J K M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z.  The friend puzzled over it for weeks, finally gave up and wrote asking for an explanation. He received the explanation on a postcard: "No L." (The 1st Noel)

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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 8th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Heilongjiang

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

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

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Sat Dec 7

Yesterday morning I said Mass at Lai Chi Kok men's centre for a small group of prisoners and a group of volunteers led by Deacon Peter Wong who arranges a Mass at the prison each month.

 

Australian 16 year old runner, born of South Sudan parents, breaking records 

 

  My Gaza Prayer *** Here is the video which Israel is trying to remove from the internet: Slaughter in Jabalia camp on  Oct 12, 2024

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

42. In his humanity, Jesus learned this from Mary, his mother. Our Lady carefully pondered the things she had experienced; she “treasured them… in her heart” (Lk 2:19, 51) and, with Saint Joseph, she taught Jesus from his earliest years to be attentive in this same way.

 

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

11. The Final Document expresses awareness that the call to mission is, at the same time, the call to the conversion of each local Church and of the whole Church, in line with the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (cf. EG 30). There are five parts to the text. The first, entitled The Heart of Synodality, outlines the theological and spiritual foundations that enlighten and nourish what is to come. It restates the shared understanding of synodality that emerged in the First Session and develops its spiritual and prophetic perspectives. The conversion of the emotions, images and thoughts inhabiting our hearts proceeds together with the conversion of pastoral and missionary action. The second part, entitled On the Boat, Together, is dedicated to the conversion of the relationships that are formed in the intertwining of vocations, charisms and ministries, building the Christian community and shaping mission. The third part, “Cast the Net,” identifies three practices that are intimately connected: ecclesial discernment, decision-making processes, and a culture of transparency, accountability and evaluation. With respect to these, we are also asked to initiate pathways of ‘missionary transformation’, for which a renewal of participatory bodies is urgently needed. The fourth part, under the title An Abundant Catch, outlines how we can cultivate new forms of the exchange of gifts and renew the intertwining of the bonds that unite us in the Church at a time when the experience of being rooted in a place is changing profoundly. This is followed by a fifth part, “So I Send You,” which enables us to look at a particular step we need to take: caring for the formation of all, of the People of God, all as synodal missionaries. 

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

Numbers 19: God's words to Moses: "Burn a red heifer and mix its ashes with water to make holy water for special blessings in cases of uncleanness."
Dear God, thank you for holy water. May it protect and cleanse us
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 127: If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor. If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil. Success comes not from earlier rising or from going later to rest, but from the Lord's blessing. Success is from the Lord who blesses the womb of his beloved while she sleeps. Truly, children are a gift from the Lord, a blessing, the fruit of the womb. 
Lord, many people these days don't want children. Please help such people understand that children are a blessing
Listen

 

Revelation 12.7-14: Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought the dragon and his angels. Michael won. Satan and his followers were driven out of heaven. The great dragon, the serpent, known as the Devil or Satan, was hurled down to earth. His angels were hurled down with him. The dragon began to make war on the children of the Woman - those who obey God and bear witness to Jesus
Jesus, may your holy angels protect us from Satan
Listen

 

 

Luke 5.27-32: As Jesus walked along, he noticed a tax collector sitting by the customs house. The collector's name was Levi (Matthew). Jesus said to him "Follow me".  Leaving everything, he got up and went with Jesus. In Jesus' honor Levi held a banquet in his house. Many  tax collectors and social outcasts were present. The religious leaders complained "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and outcasts?"  Jesus replied "It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have come to call sinners, not the virtuous, to repentance"
Jesus, thank you for befriending people who were looked down on. Please help me do likewise
Listen

Reflection: The name "Doctor Jesus" comes from today's Gospel!

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  To go with today's Gospel:

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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 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, Saturday, please pacify the Taliban

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Fri Dec 6 Today is the Feast of Saint NiChoLAS ... from whose name we get the name Santa Claus.
He was a bishop who cared about poor people.
The St Nicholas tradition.
 St Nicholas: The Real Story
And see  below!

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   My Gaza Prayer  *** Amnesty: Israel's war on Gaza is genocide

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Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

41. Precisely out of concern for us, Jesus knows every one of our good intentions and small acts of charity. The Gospel tells us that once he “saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins” in the Temple treasury (Lk 21:2) and immediately brought it to the attention of his disciples. Jesus thus appreciates the good that he sees in us. When the centurion approached him with complete confidence, “Jesus listened to him and was amazed” (Mt 8:10). How reassuring it is to know that, even if others are not aware of our good intentions or actions, Jesus sees them and regards them highly.

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

9. The synodal process does not conclude with the end of the current Assembly of the Synod of Bishops but also includes the implementation phase. As members of the Assembly and as synodal missionaries within the communities from which we come, we feel it is our responsibility to promote this process. The local Churches are asked to continue their daily journey with a synodal methodology of consultation and discernment, identifying concrete ways and formation pathways to bring about a tangible synodal conversion in the various ecclesial contexts (parishes, Institutes of consecrated life and Societies of apostolic life, movements of the faithful, dioceses, Episcopal Conferences, groupings of Churches, etc.). Planning for an evaluation of the progress made in terms of synodality and the participation of all the Baptised in the life of the Church should also occur. ...

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

Numbers 18: God's words to Aaron: "You and your sons will be priests. You will lead the liturgy and carry out the duties of your priesthood. You will have no portion of the land as your own. I myself will be your portion. When your sons receive the people's tithes, they must give you for a special offering a tithe of the tithes."
Dear God, please help priests to be good and not greedy
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 126: When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs. What marvels the Lord worked for us. Indeed we were glad. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. They go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing. They come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.
Dear God, please bless all people who are sorrowful as they work
Listen

 

Revelation 12.1-6: A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, dressed in the sun, standing on the moon, crowned with 12 stars. She was giving birth to a child, and she cried out in the pain of childbirth. Then a second sign appeared: a huge red dragon, which wanted to eat the child. The woman gave birth to a son, the ruler of all nations. The son was taken straight up to heaven, to God on his throne. The woman escaped to safety in the desert, to a place prepared for her by God
Jesus, protect us from Satan who goes round like a hungry lion wanting to eat us
Listen

Luke 5.17-26: God's power was on display when Jesus healed people. People came from far and near to hear him teach, and to ask for healing. One day some people carried  a paralyzed man through a crowd to Jesus. The man was on a stretcher. Jesus knew that these people believed he could help them, so he said to the paralyzed man "My friend, your sins are forgiven". Some religious leaders in the crowd were thinking to themselves that Jesus was wrong to say he could forgive sins. So Jesus said to the leaders "Which is easier: to say 'Your sins are forgiven', or to say 'Get up and walk'?" Then to prove that he had authority to forgive sins, he said to the paralyzed man "Get up, pick up your bed and go home". The man got up, picked up his stretcher and went home. The crowd praised God for what they had seen
Jesus, please give me more faith in your power to forgive, your power to heal
Listen

Reflection: May there be more miracles of healing in our day!

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 For feast of St Nicholas!
 

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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 6th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Hainan

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

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

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Thu Dec 5

Early last night I received a phone call from an official of the Kenyan Embassy in Malaysia. He was at KL airport farewelling a Kenyan woman who has spent about 8 years in prison in Malaysia after being tricked to take drugs to Malaysia. I visited the woman in 2018 when she was on death row. An extra kind lawyer showed great dedication and helped her win an appeal and she is now free. I spoke with her on the phone last night and we both said "God is good" and God bless the lawyer! 

 

These days at 192 Shanghai Street, MercyHK's day centre for homeless people is also a busy distribution centre of winter clothing and blankets etc for needy people in the area.

 

    My Gaza Prayer *** The genocide continues

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

40. Many a page of the Gospel illustrates how attentive Jesus was to individuals and above all to their problems and needs. We are told that, “when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless” (Mt 9:36). Whenever we feel that everyone ignores us, that no one cares what becomes of us, that we are of no importance to anyone, he remains concerned for us. To Nathanael, standing apart and busy about his own affairs, he could say, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you” (Jn 1:48).

 

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

8. (too long and too complicated to post ... can be read here)

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

Numbers 17: Once again the people complained against Moses and Aaron. This time through Moses God told the leaders of the 11 tribes to bring 11 branches and plant them with Aaron’s branch. The next day Aaron's branch had blossomed and produced fruit. Aaron's branch then became a sign to the people that they should stop complaining
Dear God, please help me not to complain so much
My recording of this reading

 

Psalm 125: Those who put their trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken. Jerusalem, the mountains surround her, so the Lord surrounds his people, now and forever.
Lord, please help us be more aware of your protecting presence
Listen

 

Revelation 8.1 - 11.18: I saw how punishment is coming for all evil doers on the earth. I heard voices shouting: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ. He will reign for ever and ever". The 24 elders worshipped God saying: "We give thanks to you, Almighty Lord God. The time has come for everyone to be judged. The time has come for good people to be rewarded and bad people to be punished"
Jesus, please help bad people stop being bad
Listen

 

Luke 5.12-16: In one town that Jesus went to, a leper fell on his face and pleaded "Sir, if you want to, you can heal me". Jesus stretched out  his hand, touched him, and said "Of course I want to!  Be healed!" And the leprosy left him at once. Jesus' reputation continued to grow.  Large crowds gathered to hear him speak and to have their sicknesses cured. But afterwards Jesus would always go to a quiet place where he could be alone and pray
Jesus, please help me understand that you want sick people to be healed
  Listen

Reflection: Jesus attitude to all requests for healing is the same: "Of course I want to heal you!"

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From a friend in Malaysia:

 

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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 5th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guizhou

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

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

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Wed Dec 4

Christmas decorations at MercyHK canteen 

 

Murdered Congo customs officer to be beatified *** A longer report here

 

  My Gaza Prayer *** Latest reports

 

Pope's new encyclical "He Loved Us"

39. The Gospel tells us that a rich man came up to Jesus, full of idealism yet lacking in the strength needed to change his life. Jesus then “looked at him” (Mk 10:21). Can you imagine that moment, that encounter between his eyes and those of Jesus? If Jesus calls you and summons you for a mission, he first looks at you, plumbs the depths of your heart and, knowing everything about you, fixes his gaze upon you. So it was when, “as he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers... and as he went from there, he saw two other brothers” (Mt 4:18, 21).

 

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

7. We were able to witness to the first fruits of the synodal journey that began in 2021, the simplest and most precious of which mature in the life of families, parishes, movements, small Christian communities, schools and other movements. This is where the practice of conversation in the Spirit, community discernment, sharing of vocational gifts and coresponsibility in the mission is growing. The meeting of Parish Priests for the Synod (Sacrofano [Rome] 28 April – 2 May 2024) made it possible to listen closely to the rich experiences of priests and help them to renew their journey. We are grateful and happy for the voices of many communities and of the faithful who ensure that the Church is experienced as a place of welcome, hope and joy.

 

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

Numbers 16: Another rebellion broke out when Korah and his group of 250 men rebelled against Moses and Aaron. This group said "You take too much on yourselves. The whole community is consecrated. How can you say you are more important than the community?" The next morning this group and other rebels were punished by God: the ground where the Korah group were standing split open and they disappeared into the hole. The other rebels died when a fire came down from heaven
and consumed them
Dear God, please help people not to rebel against you
My recording of this reading

Psalm 124: "If the Lord had not been on our side", this is Israel's song. If the Lord had not been on our side when people rose against us, then would they have swallowed us alive when they were angry with us. Blessed be the Lord who did not let us become a prey for their teeth. Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the hunter. Indeed the snare has been broken and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. 
Thank you, Lord, for all the times you have rescued me from trouble
Listen

Revelation 7.9-17: I saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, and language. They were standing in front of the throne, with palms in their hands. They shouted: "Victory to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb". One of the elders told me who these people are: "These are the people who have been through the great persecution. They now serve God day and night in his sanctuary. The Lamb is their Shepherd. He leads them to springs of living water. God has wiped away all tears from their eyes"
Jesus, please help sorrowing people who are crying today
Listen

 

 

Luke 5.1-11: One day when Jesus was standing near the Lake of Gennesaret, with people pressing round him listening to the word of God, he saw two fishing boats near the bank. He got into one boat, it belonged to Simon Peter, and taught people from the boat, away from the shore a little distance. When he'd finished speaking he said to Simon "Go out further to deep water and use your nets for a catch of fish". Simon replied "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but if you say so I'll lower the nets". They soon caught so many fish that the nets began to tear. They called to their friends in the second boat to come and help. Both boats were soon filled with fish. Peter fell at Jesus' knees and said "Leave me, Lord, I am a sinful man", for he was overcome by the catch they had made, as were James and John who were his partners. But Jesus said to Simon "Don't be afraid. From now on, you will be fishers of men".  Simon and his friends then left everything to follow Jesus
Jesus,  bless and protect  all "fishers of men"
  Listen

 

Reflection on the above readings: 

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 To go with today's Gospel:

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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 4th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guangdong

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 4th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Burundi

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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