I wrote this blog in November 2014. My spiritual journey has had a dramatic change since then. My renewed Catholic faith encourages me to read the Liturgy of the Hours from the Divine Office to begin my day. I have only been able to do the Office of Readings in the mornings consistently. So today - Friday of the 3rd week of Lent, I began with the usual Invitational Psalm. The antiphon "O that today you would listen to his voice: harden not your hearts." is from Psalm 95. Yes, I always begin my day with this Call to Worship and Obedience from Psalm 95. Why is it so important to begin my day with this Psalm?
Charles Spurgeon, the famous Protestant bible teacher, wrote this lovely introduction to Psalm 95:
"This Psalm has no title, and all we know of its authorship is that Paul quotes it as "in David." (Heb 4:7.) ... It is in its original a truly Hebrew song, directed both in its exhortation and warning to the Jewish people, but we have the warrant of the Holy Spirit in the epistle to the Hebrews for using its appeals and entreaties when pleading with Gentile believers. It is a psalm of invitation to worship. It has about it a ring like that or church bells, and like the bells it sounds both merrily and solemnly, at first ringing out a lively peal, and then dropping into a funeral knell as if tolling at the funeral of the generation which perished in the wilderness. We will call it THE PSALM OF THE PROVOCATION. "
The Psalm can be divided into two sections:
(I) Invitation with Reasons (Verses 1-5)
O come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
(Verse 1) The author of this song had in his mind's eye the rock, the tabernacle, the Red Sea, and the mountains of Sinai, and he alludes to them all in this first part of his hymn. God is our abiding, immutable, and mighty rock, and in him we find deliverance and safety, therefore it becomes us to praise him with heart and with voice from day to day; and especially should we delight to do this when we assemble as his people for public worship. (Verse 2) The perfection of singing is that which unites joy with gravity, exultation with humility, fervency with sobriety - thus we are reminded "let us make a joyful noise" twice. (Verses 3-5) These verses supply some of the reasons for worship, drawn from the being, greatness, and sovereign dominion of the Lord.
(II) Invitation with Warnings (Verses 6-11)
O come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
O that today you would listen to his voice!
Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
when your ancestors tested me,
and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
For forty years I loathed that generation
and said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they do not regard my ways.”
Therefore in my anger I swore,
“They shall not enter my rest.”
But what is this warning which follows? Alas, it was sorrowfully needed by the Lord's ancient people, and is not one which the less required by ourselves. The favored nation grew deaf to their Lord's command, and proved not to be truly his sheep, of whom it is written, "My sheep hear my voice:" will this turn out to be our character also. God forbid. "To day if you will hear his voice." Dreadful "if." Many would not hear, they put off the claims of love, and provoked their God. "To-day," in the hour of grace, in the day of mercy, we are tried as to whether we have an ear for the voice of our Creator. Nothing is said of tomorrow, "he limited a certain day," he presses for immediate attention, for our own sake he asks instantaneous obedience. Shall we yield it? The Holy Spirit says "To-day," will we grieve him by delay? We cannot soften our hearts, but we can harden them, and the consequences will be fatal. Today is too good a day to be profaned by the hardening of our hearts against our own mercies. While mercy reigns let not obduracy rebel. "As in the provocations, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness" (or, "like Meribah, like the day of Massah in the wilderness"). Be not willfully, wantonly, repeatedly, obstinately rebellious. Let the example of that unhappy generation serve as a beacon to you; do not repeat the offenses which have already more than enough provoked the Lord.
"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come." (1 Corinthians 10:11)
Friday, 9 March 2018
Friday, 16 February 2018
Examination of Conscience
I admit this has not been as easy as I would like. I have been trying to do a proper examination of conscience before each Confession, which I try to do at least once a month. During Lent I try to do this daily. I follow the questions based on the Ten Commandments from these good resources:
http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-examination-of-conscience
http://www.ewtn.com/library/prayer/examconscience.htm
These are the questions most relevant to me (with minor edits and emphasis).
"HAVE I..."
First Commandment
Despaired about my salvation or the forgiveness of my sins?
Presumed on God’s mercy (committing a sin without conversion and practicing virtue)?
Loved someone or something more than God (money, power, pleasure & sex, ambition, etc.)
Second Commandment
Used the name of God in cursing? Used vulgar, suggestive or obscene speech?
Failed to keep promises that I have made to God?
Watched television or movies, or listened to music that treated the sacred things irreverently?
Belittled others in my speech?
Third Commandment
Set time aside each day for personal prayer to God?
Missed Mass on Sunday or Holy Days (through own fault w/o sufficient reason)?
Received a sacrament while in the state of mortal sin?
Been stingy in my support for the Church & the poor with my time, talent and treasure?
Fourth Commandment
Prayed for my children’s salvation?
Showed disrespect for those in authority, government or church? Not expressed my moral values to them? Supported or voted for a politician whose positions are opposed to the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church?
Fifth Commandment (Wow, this is a long list! Many are directed towards those I love.)
Committed an emotional or verbal abuse? Mean or unjust to anyone?
Held a grudge or sought revenge against someone who wronged me?
Pointed out others’ faults and mistakes while ignoring my own?
Complained more than giving compliment?
Been ungrateful for what other people do for me?
Torn people down rather than encouraged them?
Hated another person, or wished him evil?
Been unforgiving to others, when mercy or pardon was requested?Sought revenge or hoped something bad would happen to someone?
Prejudiced against people because of their colour, language or ethnic-religious background?
Actively or passively cooperated with an act of euthanasia or abortion?
Sixth & Ninth Commandments
Not avoided the occasions of sin (persons or places) which would tempt me to be unfaithful to my spouse or to my own chastity?
Encouraged and entertained impure thoughts and desires?
Claimed my own marital right without concern for my spouse?
Seventh & Tenth Commandments
Let material concerns or the desire for comfort override my duty to God?
Envied others on account of their possessions?
Given generously to others in need?
Cheated on taxes or in business?
Stolen? (Take something that doesn’t belong to me against the reasonable will of the owner.)
Tried to live in a spirit of Gospel poverty and simplicity?
Misused natural resources?
Eighth Commandment
Told a lie (or exaggerated) in order to deceive someone or spread rumors which may ruin someone’s reputation (sin of calumny or slander)? Betrayed another’s confidence through speech?
Failed to make reparation for a lie I told, or for harm done to a person’s reputation?
Been guilty of rash judgment? (Assuming the worst of another person based on circumstantial evidence.)
Failed to speak out in defense of the Catholic Faith, the Church, or of another person?
Do I love to hear bad news about my enemies?
http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-examination-of-conscience
http://www.ewtn.com/library/prayer/examconscience.htm
These are the questions most relevant to me (with minor edits and emphasis).
"HAVE I..."
First Commandment
Despaired about my salvation or the forgiveness of my sins?
Presumed on God’s mercy (committing a sin without conversion and practicing virtue)?
Loved someone or something more than God (money, power, pleasure & sex, ambition, etc.)
Second Commandment
Used the name of God in cursing? Used vulgar, suggestive or obscene speech?
Failed to keep promises that I have made to God?
Watched television or movies, or listened to music that treated the sacred things irreverently?
Belittled others in my speech?
Third Commandment
Set time aside each day for personal prayer to God?
Missed Mass on Sunday or Holy Days (through own fault w/o sufficient reason)?
Received a sacrament while in the state of mortal sin?
Been stingy in my support for the Church & the poor with my time, talent and treasure?
Fourth Commandment
Prayed for my children’s salvation?
Showed disrespect for those in authority, government or church? Not expressed my moral values to them? Supported or voted for a politician whose positions are opposed to the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church?
Fifth Commandment (Wow, this is a long list! Many are directed towards those I love.)
Committed an emotional or verbal abuse? Mean or unjust to anyone?
Held a grudge or sought revenge against someone who wronged me?
Pointed out others’ faults and mistakes while ignoring my own?
Complained more than giving compliment?
Been ungrateful for what other people do for me?
Torn people down rather than encouraged them?
Hated another person, or wished him evil?
Been unforgiving to others, when mercy or pardon was requested?Sought revenge or hoped something bad would happen to someone?
Prejudiced against people because of their colour, language or ethnic-religious background?
Actively or passively cooperated with an act of euthanasia or abortion?
Sixth & Ninth Commandments
Not avoided the occasions of sin (persons or places) which would tempt me to be unfaithful to my spouse or to my own chastity?
Encouraged and entertained impure thoughts and desires?
Claimed my own marital right without concern for my spouse?
Seventh & Tenth Commandments
Let material concerns or the desire for comfort override my duty to God?
Envied others on account of their possessions?
Given generously to others in need?
Cheated on taxes or in business?
Stolen? (Take something that doesn’t belong to me against the reasonable will of the owner.)
Tried to live in a spirit of Gospel poverty and simplicity?
Misused natural resources?
Eighth Commandment
Told a lie (or exaggerated) in order to deceive someone or spread rumors which may ruin someone’s reputation (sin of calumny or slander)? Betrayed another’s confidence through speech?
Failed to make reparation for a lie I told, or for harm done to a person’s reputation?
Been guilty of rash judgment? (Assuming the worst of another person based on circumstantial evidence.)
Failed to speak out in defense of the Catholic Faith, the Church, or of another person?
Do I love to hear bad news about my enemies?
Friday, 29 December 2017
Simeon's Song - my eyes have seen your Salvation
I once wrote a blog on Zachariah's Song. I wrote, "This has become one of my favorite songs in scripture. Like the songs of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32) and Mary (Luke 1:46-55) I just love the spontaneity of emotion, one that bursts out as deep feelings finally find a way to escape. It reflects a life full of longing and obedience which finally discovers what it's all about."
In today's Gospel reading, we listened once again to the Simeon's Song:
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
Who is this person Simeon? Wikipedia has a very nice article on him:
"Simeon (Simeon the God-receiver) at the Temple is the "just and devout" man of Jerusalem who, according to Luke 2:25–35, met Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as they entered the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses on the 40th day from Jesus' birth at the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. According to the Biblical account, Simeon had been visited by the Holy Spirit and told that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ. On taking Jesus into his arms he uttered a prayer, which is still used liturgically as the Latin Nunc dimittis in many Christian churches, and gave a prophecy alluding to the crucifixion."
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible commented on the two Simeon oracles found in his song/prayer:
(1) Simeon's Nunc Dimittis (Latin for "now dismiss") extols the Child as the crown of God's covenant promises. The oracle is a tapestry of Isaian prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. First, Jesus embodies God's salvation (2:30), recalling Isaiah 40:5, 46:13, and 52:9-10. He is also a light shining to the Gentiles, evoking Is 42:6 and 49:6. As Messiah, Jesus is the covenant representative who takes Israel's vocation upon himself and completes the mission that was left unfulfilled at his coming, i.e. to pour out blessings on all nations (CCC 529).
(2) Simeon's second oracle casts a shadow over the Child's future. He is the Messiah who will draw a line in the sand for Israel, causing the nation to divide itself by taking a stand for or against him (Lk 20:17-18; 1 Pet 2:6-8; CCC 587). Those who reject him stand self-condemned, while those who embrace him will be blessed (Lk 6:20-23, 46-49).
I still remember the time when Simeon's song made a really deep impression on me. I was so grateful for the salvation I received through Jesus' death on the cross, I truly felt that my life had found the pinnacle of what I had been searching for; and that it no longer mattered whether the Lord would take me home that very instant. Praise God that I continue to look forward to the "better" life to come and am much less afraid of the certain death of this body.
The other practical application for this knowledge of the Lord is found in the second scripture passage read today. In 1 John 2:3-11 God provided a wonderful guidebook for this journey:
In today's Gospel reading, we listened once again to the Simeon's Song:
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
Who is this person Simeon? Wikipedia has a very nice article on him:
"Simeon (Simeon the God-receiver) at the Temple is the "just and devout" man of Jerusalem who, according to Luke 2:25–35, met Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as they entered the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses on the 40th day from Jesus' birth at the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. According to the Biblical account, Simeon had been visited by the Holy Spirit and told that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ. On taking Jesus into his arms he uttered a prayer, which is still used liturgically as the Latin Nunc dimittis in many Christian churches, and gave a prophecy alluding to the crucifixion."
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible commented on the two Simeon oracles found in his song/prayer:
(1) Simeon's Nunc Dimittis (Latin for "now dismiss") extols the Child as the crown of God's covenant promises. The oracle is a tapestry of Isaian prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. First, Jesus embodies God's salvation (2:30), recalling Isaiah 40:5, 46:13, and 52:9-10. He is also a light shining to the Gentiles, evoking Is 42:6 and 49:6. As Messiah, Jesus is the covenant representative who takes Israel's vocation upon himself and completes the mission that was left unfulfilled at his coming, i.e. to pour out blessings on all nations (CCC 529).
(2) Simeon's second oracle casts a shadow over the Child's future. He is the Messiah who will draw a line in the sand for Israel, causing the nation to divide itself by taking a stand for or against him (Lk 20:17-18; 1 Pet 2:6-8; CCC 587). Those who reject him stand self-condemned, while those who embrace him will be blessed (Lk 6:20-23, 46-49).
I still remember the time when Simeon's song made a really deep impression on me. I was so grateful for the salvation I received through Jesus' death on the cross, I truly felt that my life had found the pinnacle of what I had been searching for; and that it no longer mattered whether the Lord would take me home that very instant. Praise God that I continue to look forward to the "better" life to come and am much less afraid of the certain death of this body.
The other practical application for this knowledge of the Lord is found in the second scripture passage read today. In 1 John 2:3-11 God provided a wonderful guidebook for this journey:
- Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. (vs 3)
- whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. (vs 5)
- Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. (vs 9,10)
Wednesday, 20 December 2017
Mary the first missionary
I am visiting my siblings in Hong Kong. My two daughters and their partners are also vacationing here at the same time. Between the walking tour in the City Central and the long hilly hike from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay we were able to piece together the old and the new Hong Kong. My sister had her second hip replaced and is recovering well after the surgery. Praise God!
I went to Mass this morning at the Epiphany Catholic Church in Mui Wo. It was a tiny parish on Lantau Island. The two priests of East Indian origin were fluent in both Cantonese and English. It was very welcoming. The homily this morning was very interesting and uplifting. Firstly, the priest talked of the three annunciations - that of Zachariah, St. Joseph, and then the Blessed Mary (all three links are worth the read!). Then Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. It's possible that the visit was prompted by the need to validate what the angel had spoken, but much more likely her long distance visit was out of compassion to help Elizabeth who was then 6 months pregnant. Two pregnancies of miraculous proportion, the teenager, still a virgin, visited a woman who was way passed the age of child bearing, The Blessed Mary, immediately after hearing the Good News went and shared it (literally bearing Jesus in her womb - the Word made flesh), with someone. Thar's why she was the first missionary. I did a quick google search and found these devotional links:
I am writing this blog during the one-hour ferry from Mui Wo to Central Hong Kong. The scenery is spectacular:
I feel so blessed to be reminded where I have come and the glorious future yet awaiting me. I will learn from my Blessed Mother to share the Good News of Jesus to everyone I meet, especially today as I meet with so many of my siblings and their children, and even grand children. I have been praying for them daily but now I can share with them face to face. Oh may the Name of Jesus be lifted high today!
I went to Mass this morning at the Epiphany Catholic Church in Mui Wo. It was a tiny parish on Lantau Island. The two priests of East Indian origin were fluent in both Cantonese and English. It was very welcoming. The homily this morning was very interesting and uplifting. Firstly, the priest talked of the three annunciations - that of Zachariah, St. Joseph, and then the Blessed Mary (all three links are worth the read!). Then Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. It's possible that the visit was prompted by the need to validate what the angel had spoken, but much more likely her long distance visit was out of compassion to help Elizabeth who was then 6 months pregnant. Two pregnancies of miraculous proportion, the teenager, still a virgin, visited a woman who was way passed the age of child bearing, The Blessed Mary, immediately after hearing the Good News went and shared it (literally bearing Jesus in her womb - the Word made flesh), with someone. Thar's why she was the first missionary. I did a quick google search and found these devotional links:
- Mary the first missionary. A Rosary meditation on the Visitation of Our Lady to St Elizabeth
- Jesus’ First Missionary – Mary
- Like Mary, the first Missionary
I am writing this blog during the one-hour ferry from Mui Wo to Central Hong Kong. The scenery is spectacular:
I feel so blessed to be reminded where I have come and the glorious future yet awaiting me. I will learn from my Blessed Mother to share the Good News of Jesus to everyone I meet, especially today as I meet with so many of my siblings and their children, and even grand children. I have been praying for them daily but now I can share with them face to face. Oh may the Name of Jesus be lifted high today!
Friday, 24 November 2017
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you
Today's scripture verse is from James 4:7-10 (NRSVCE)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
It seems to me that the journey to holiness is filled with contradiction. On the one hand, we are to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), and on the other "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).
Here in the book of James, there are some practical advice:
1. Submit to God
The biblical idea of submission is quite different from what our culture teaches us. Most of us think of submission as submitting under the authority or power of someone else and is usually deemed mandatory or obligatory, e.g. obeying the speed limit or filing income tax. If we fail to do so, we can do ourselves harm either criminally, in a civil lawsuit, or financially.
But submission to God as James writes in 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." suggests something different. The way James writes this is that our being able to resist the devil is conditioned on whether we are submitting ourselves to God…only then will “he flee from you”. But if you’re not submitting to God, you might not be able to resist the devil because you can’t expect God’s help in resisting temptation from the devil while you’re refusing to submit to Him. There is no guarantee that he will flee from you at all under this circumstance. (Patheos).
Resistance is possible only because the power of God within us is greater than the power of the Evil One present in the world (1 John 4:4). Also see Ephesians 6:11-17 and 1 Peter 5:8-9) - from Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament (ICSBNT) p.444
2. Draw near to God
Submission is only possible by the grace and power supplied by Jesus Christ after we have been incorporated into His body, the church. It is "A call to return to the covenant and reestablish friendship with God (Zech 1:3; Mal 3:7)" - from ICSBNT p.444
The best way to do this practically is to spend time in prayer and meditation. I am doing Liturgy Of The Hours - at least the Morning Prayer. I get a daily email reminder through the Morning Offering.
3. Cleanse your hands... purify your hearts
James speaks of moral purity, exhorting us to wash ourselves of evil deeds and intentions. Purification is demanded of everyone who approaches the all-holy God (Ps 24:4-5; Is 1:15-15). ICSBNT p.444
There is no better way to do this than to go to Confession at least once or twice a month. I am trying to practice the Examination of Conscience every evening before going to bed. "Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)
4. Mourn and Weep
A call to shed tears of repentance. Catholic tradition refers to this as "compunction" of heart. The practice of confession is so helpful to do this. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Mt 5:4). Oh there is so much comfort to be had from the Lord!
5. Humble yourselves...exalt you
Jesus reminded us that "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." (Mt 23:12) and St Peter also exhorted us to "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)
Practically I am learning that “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?! It's been so helpful that every time I drifted into either moments of extremely pride or self-pitying, the best way was to simply switch off whatever I was thinking and turned my thoughts to praise and worship to God.
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
It seems to me that the journey to holiness is filled with contradiction. On the one hand, we are to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), and on the other "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).
Here in the book of James, there are some practical advice:
1. Submit to God
The biblical idea of submission is quite different from what our culture teaches us. Most of us think of submission as submitting under the authority or power of someone else and is usually deemed mandatory or obligatory, e.g. obeying the speed limit or filing income tax. If we fail to do so, we can do ourselves harm either criminally, in a civil lawsuit, or financially.
But submission to God as James writes in 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." suggests something different. The way James writes this is that our being able to resist the devil is conditioned on whether we are submitting ourselves to God…only then will “he flee from you”. But if you’re not submitting to God, you might not be able to resist the devil because you can’t expect God’s help in resisting temptation from the devil while you’re refusing to submit to Him. There is no guarantee that he will flee from you at all under this circumstance. (Patheos).
Resistance is possible only because the power of God within us is greater than the power of the Evil One present in the world (1 John 4:4). Also see Ephesians 6:11-17 and 1 Peter 5:8-9) - from Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament (ICSBNT) p.444
2. Draw near to God
Submission is only possible by the grace and power supplied by Jesus Christ after we have been incorporated into His body, the church. It is "A call to return to the covenant and reestablish friendship with God (Zech 1:3; Mal 3:7)" - from ICSBNT p.444
The best way to do this practically is to spend time in prayer and meditation. I am doing Liturgy Of The Hours - at least the Morning Prayer. I get a daily email reminder through the Morning Offering.
3. Cleanse your hands... purify your hearts
James speaks of moral purity, exhorting us to wash ourselves of evil deeds and intentions. Purification is demanded of everyone who approaches the all-holy God (Ps 24:4-5; Is 1:15-15). ICSBNT p.444
There is no better way to do this than to go to Confession at least once or twice a month. I am trying to practice the Examination of Conscience every evening before going to bed. "Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)
4. Mourn and Weep
A call to shed tears of repentance. Catholic tradition refers to this as "compunction" of heart. The practice of confession is so helpful to do this. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Mt 5:4). Oh there is so much comfort to be had from the Lord!
5. Humble yourselves...exalt you
Jesus reminded us that "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." (Mt 23:12) and St Peter also exhorted us to "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)
Practically I am learning that “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?! It's been so helpful that every time I drifted into either moments of extremely pride or self-pitying, the best way was to simply switch off whatever I was thinking and turned my thoughts to praise and worship to God.
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)
Saturday, 21 October 2017
The Message of the Cross
The homily from EWTN Daily Mass on Oct 20, 2017 by Father John Paul was one of the best messages I have ever heard on the Cross of Christ.
The scripture reading that day was one of my most quoted passages by St Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
The Saint celebrated for that day was Saint Paul of the Cross who founded the religious order the Passionists who "express their participation in the Passion by a special vow, by which they bind themselves to keep alive the memory of the Passion of Christ. They strive to foster awareness of its meaning and value for each person and for the life of the world. They seek to incorporate this vow into our daily lives by living the evangelical counsels." Paul of the Cross took "taking up the cross daily to follow Jesus" quite seriously.
Father John Paul also quoted one of my favorite TV Catholic preachers Fulton Sheen, who was quoted this morning in Morning Offering: "It is part of the discipline of God to make His loved ones perfect through trial and suffering. Only by carrying the Cross can one reach the Resurrection." How profound!
These messages by the Venerable Fulton Sheen are worth reading:
The Divine Romance: The Pulpit Of The Cross
The Way of the Cross
and his famous Youtube archive on My Cross
One thing I will do from now on: when I make the Sign of the Cross I will do so with reverence and gratitude for what Christ has done for me.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:19b-20)
The scripture reading that day was one of my most quoted passages by St Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
The Saint celebrated for that day was Saint Paul of the Cross who founded the religious order the Passionists who "express their participation in the Passion by a special vow, by which they bind themselves to keep alive the memory of the Passion of Christ. They strive to foster awareness of its meaning and value for each person and for the life of the world. They seek to incorporate this vow into our daily lives by living the evangelical counsels." Paul of the Cross took "taking up the cross daily to follow Jesus" quite seriously.
Father John Paul also quoted one of my favorite TV Catholic preachers Fulton Sheen, who was quoted this morning in Morning Offering: "It is part of the discipline of God to make His loved ones perfect through trial and suffering. Only by carrying the Cross can one reach the Resurrection." How profound!
These messages by the Venerable Fulton Sheen are worth reading:
The Divine Romance: The Pulpit Of The Cross
The Way of the Cross
and his famous Youtube archive on My Cross
One thing I will do from now on: when I make the Sign of the Cross I will do so with reverence and gratitude for what Christ has done for me.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:19b-20)
Friday, 15 September 2017
It is more blessed to give than to receive - evidence from Free/Open Source software for healthcare
This is a draft of an article I was asked to submit to the FOCUS Magazine:
It is more blessed to give than to receive - evidence from Free/Open Source software for healthcare
Linus Torvalds, the computer nerd from Finland who invented Linux (1), once called himself an "Accidental Revolutionary"(2). He and I share similar interests and my 30 year journey creating Free/Open Source Software (FOSS)(3) isn't too dissimilar to his, except perhaps by calling myself a Christian, I acknowledge that nothing is ever "accidental", and I should learn not to be too proud by calling my creation "revolutionary". This brief article tells my story of seeing God's hand at work in my life even though I was not always aware of it at the time. And now I give all the glory to God who "redeems my life from the pit, and crowns me with love and compassion" (Psalm 103:4).I was first trained as an electrical engineer - having passed all my examinations using a slide-rule (4)! I worked as a software programmer for 5 years during which time I became a Christian. My life took a drastic turn when I received a call to the Mission field. I felt I would be more useful to enter into the medical field. After finishing my medical degree and residency training I took my first job as a lecturer in Family and Community Medicine at the Chinese University in Hong Kong, with a ministry focus on the medical students. Being a young faculty, I resolved to use what I knew best - writing software - to make a difference in health and health care. I produced the first microcomputer based Computerized Medical Record (CMR) system for the teaching clinic (5). There was some interest in the software so I gave it away for free. Without the Internet at the time, software distribution and collaboration was quite difficult. CMR was a very good tool for research and I was able to experiment with new ideas to improve the care of my patients using it.
My next job was a faculty position at McGill University where I produced the next version of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) called MUFFIN (McGill University Family Folder Information Network) (6). Even though the software was freely given away, it required considerable effort to help others use it. So there were MUFFIN Workshops held not only at McGill, but in other countries as well. Many friendships were formed, which turned out to be very important for the next phase of this development.
Photo taken by the CIO of UCLA outside the National Health Service sponsored conference in London, England.
In 1997 I joined McMaster University. There was very little resource and their antiquated computer system was facing the looming Y2K disaster. I managed to modify MUFFIN to support the teaching clinics there. After making further improvement I was able to get a large grant from the Primary Care Reform Technology Incentive Program. The money was intended for the purchase of a commercial system but with the confidence of my colleagues, I was given the opportunity to develop a totally new, web-based system called OSCAR (Open Source Clinical Application Resource). The name of the project was chosen carefully, after learning an important lesson from MUFFIN. McGill lawyers did not allow us to use the name MUFFIN! OSCAR is free from any university or even country restriction. I also learned that it was not so easy to simply give away our software. It took a lot of time and energy to work with the university Intellectual Property department to carefully package our "gift" with a FOSS General Public License (7). With the generous support of the Chief Information Officer of UCLA, OSCAR was officially released to the world on the UCLA campus (near Hollywood!) on November 17, 2002.
Despite many negative predictions, OSCAR has passed many major government testing and certification. Over 3000 health care professionals across the country now use it to care for millions of Canadians. Because the software can be downloaded freely, it is hard to know how many other countries are also benefiting from it (there were two downloads from Mongolia in 2002!). Moreover, it has attracted many collaborators, many of whom I have come to know as devout Christians, volunteering hundred of hours of their time to support the user community. Many businesses have also been created. They compete on providing good support services to the users, since the product itself is free of charge. The poorly resourced communities can benefit from this world-class software. I currently support a refugee clinic and a free YMCA physiotherapy clinic using surplus computers. Two years ago I supported a project in Vietnam to use OSCAR in their Methadone clinics. Listening to one story of an ex-addict turning her life around because of it has made all the effort worthwhile.
OSCAR-EMR (8) and OCUS (9) (OSCAR Canada Users Society) are two important not for profit organizations created to support the ongoing development of OSCAR and the supporting community. OSCAR was also created to support other web applications. Know2Act (10) is a platform to share clinical knowledge and tools based on the social-networking paradigm. It is now receiving over half a million visits daily. It has probably the biggest collection of electronic forms to help with clinical care. The service is available for free. KindredPHR (11) is a Personal controlled Health Record (PHR). It is probably the most exciting project since the creation of OSCAR itself. The purpose of a PHR is to put the Patient in the centre of Health Care, where all the tools to support making informed choices both towards wellness and managing chronic illnesses take place. This is probably the most revolutionary idea – turning our health care system upside down.
The headlines for eHealth are littered with scandals and failure: “eHealth scandal a $1B waste: auditor” (12), “Auditor general’s report: Scrapped diabetes registry cost Ontario government $24.4 million” (13), “Public health IT system defective, way over budget, says BC AG” (14). This FOSS project is perhaps a little bright light.
Over the years, this verse from scripture has helped me greatly: “"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Here the apostle Paul reminded the Ephesian elders as he was bidding them farewell, knowing that he would be facing tremendous dangers up ahead and that he would most likely never to see them again, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" These words of Jesus were not recorded in any of the four Gospels. It is possible that Jesus had said this directly to Paul when He met him after the Road to Damascus (Acts: 9:1-10). Paul was reminding the Ephesian elders that he had not been a financial burden to them even though they owed it to him for his preaching the Good News to them. "You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions." (Acts 20: 34). So instead of asking for what he deserved to receive, he gave of himself fully for their salvation. Paul was validating Jesus' teaching on the blessings of giving.
When I became a Christian, I had to overcome my weakness of holding on to things that belong to me. I came from a poor family background. I learned hard work in order to move ahead. To give away what was hard earned was not an easy thing for me to do. I have the tendency of viewing all the commandments from God as burdensome rules to obey. But more and more (praise to the Holy Spirit) I have discovered that these commandments are means by which my Heavenly Father blesses me! I love to spend time with my Father and hear Him tell me He loves me.
So giving is the same. The more I learn to give things away generously the more I will discover riches from my Father. This brings to mind the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). I don't want to be like the older brother who became mad when his father was treating his prodigal brother generously. His father reminded him: “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:31)
Oh may I have a big and generous heart like my Father!
References:
2.
"Just for Fun: The Story
of an Accidental Revolutionary" - https://www.amazon.ca/Just-Fun-Story-Accidental-Revolutionary/dp/0066620732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505485469&sr=8-1&keywords=just+for+fun
6.
The name was picked because
that was what I called my 3 lovely daughters (my muffins!)
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