Reflections on Ps 15 (Br Benedict Chng)

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived; Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge and all the others, including Love.

One day, it was announced to all of the feelings that the island was Going to sink to the bottom of the ocean. So, all the feelings prepared their boats to leave. Love was the only one that stayed to the end. She wanted to cherish the island paradise until the last possible moment.

When the island was almost totally under, Love decided it was time to leave. She began looking for someone to ask for help. Just then, Richness was passing by in a grand boat. Love asked, "Richness, Can I come with you on your boat?"

Richness answered, "I'm sorry but there is a lot of silver and gold on my boat and there would be no room for you anywhere."

Then, Love decided to ask Vanity for help, who was passing in a beautiful vessel. Love cried out, "Vanity, help me please."

"I can't help you," Vanity said, "You are all wet and will damage my beautiful boat."

Next, Love saw Sadness passing by. Love said, "Sadness, please let me go with you."

Sadness answered, "Love, I'm sorry but I just need to be alone now." Then, Love saw Happiness.

Love cried out, "Happiness, please take me with you."

But, Happiness was so overjoyed, that he didn't hear Love calling to him. Love began to cry.
She then heard a voice say, "Come, Love, I will take you with me." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that she forgot to ask the elder his name. When they arrived on land, the elder went on his way. Love realized how much she owed the elder.

Love looked for Knowledge and asked, "Who was the elder that helped me?"

"It was Time," Knowledge answered. "But, why did Time help me, when no one else would?" Love asked.

Knowledge smiled and with deep wisdom and sincerity, answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."

And so it is with Psalm 15, where the psalmist seeks God for refuge and acknowledges Him as his only God. Over time, the palmist soon began to discover that God has put a marvelous love in his heart. Likewise when we feel rejected, heavy burdened, confused etc. remain steadfast with God ‘cos time is capable of understanding how great God’s love is only if you allow it,

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Edward Seah on 2nd Sep 2010.

Reflections on PS 112 (Br Alphonsus Dominic)

Praising God At All Times

All of us at one time or another had not been closely acquainted with the Lord as we should be. We may not be sure of what the appropriate response to our omnipotent God should be. Whatever spiritual level we are in our journey with Him, we are encouraged to continue to praise Him like the psalmist in Psalm 112. Obviously, God does not need our praises for even our praises are from Him. Yet with gratitude in our heart, we praise Him because He is a caring, merciful God who is not only transcendent but eminent in our life. God has humbled Himself to be active in our life, meeting the needs of us who are wretched and desperate. He uplifts the sufferings of humanity to positions of honour.

As unworthy and undeserving as we are, the Lord has called each one of us for a mission and purpose in life. As we pray this psalm, let us have hope and in faith pray that our God of Peace may make us ready to do His will through any kind of good actions. Let us then open our hearts and our minds to Him so that we can be transformed and moulded for whatever purposes acceptable to Him for our mission. With this in mind let us praise God.

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Benedict Chng on 31st Aug 2010.

Reflection on the Transfiguration of the Lord [Luke 9:28-36] (Br Samuel Lim)

We are all familiar with the account of the Transfiguration of the Lord, but let us revisit again with a little adaptations.

Jesus went up the mountain with his disciples – Peter, John and James. Suddenly Jesus manifested himself with glory, his face changed and his clothing became dazzling white! And there appeared Moses and Elijah and they were talking to Jesus. It was such a wonderful sight, truly an amazing experience of the glory of the Lord.

Then Peter spoke up, “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” In the original version, Jesus didn’t reply him but he did in this version. And so Jesus replied Peter, “Why do you want to build the three tents for us? Do you plan to stay here for a long time? Is it because it’s a wonderful experience? No, my friend, don’t dwell in this experience; this is not the highpoint of my glory.”

Why did I put those words in Jesus’ mouth? As we fast forward the story in the gospel, when is the next time we see Jesus up on a mountain standing in between two people? Up on Mt Calvary, his death on the cross! This time, instead of his clothing becoming dazzling white, his body was drenched with sweat and blood. This time, his face wasn’t gloriously transfigured; it was violently disfigured! But this is the climax, the culmination of his moment of glory – the sacrificial love of God for all humanity!

And if Peter was there at the crucifixion, what do you think he’d say? “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, and two for the thieves.” Of course not! None of the disciples would like to pitch a tent and dwell in that experience. In fact, most of them were not even there.

Why do I put these 2 events together?

In all 3 synoptic Gospels, the account of the Transfiguration is preceded by Jesus telling us the cost of discipleship: that is to renounce ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. (cf. Lk 9:23) But where should we follow him to? Well, if he asks us to take up our cross, where else can we go? To Calvary of course!

We’re all called to be radical disciples. But discipleship entails the experiences of both the mountain of transfiguration as well as the mountain of crucifixion – and not forgetting the valleys of the ordinary life in between. St Paul says, “We must share his sufferings if we are to share his glory.” (Rom 8:17) ‘Joy’ and ‘suffering’ are actually the same word with different spelling. Just ask a mother who has just given birth and she’ll testify to this reality.

Should any of us feel a bit discouraged and apprehensive at this point, let us also be assured that our walk as disciples does not end on Mt Calvary because our Master did not stop there either. Our faithfulness in going to the crucifixion with him will lead us ultimately to his triumphant Resurrection! And that’s what he promised us: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world!” (Jn 16:33)

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Alphonsus Dominic on 29th Aug 2010.

Reflections on God, the Divine Doctor, Restores and Re-energizes (Br Joseph Zhang)

Sometimes when we fall sick, we feel drowsy, we feel we have no strength, and we just want to rest and do not want to do anything. In order to get well again, we go and see the doctor. After seeing the doctor, with the medicine prescribed, we become well. And we have strength again to carry on our duties.

As with our physical health, sometimes we also fall sick in spirit. When we have too many things to do, we feel stressful and sometimes we even become distressed. We just want to give up and stop doing everything. Yet deep in our hearts we know we have to fulfill our responsibilities. How do we become well again in spirit?

Psalms 142 and 146 present us a picture of God as the divine doctor. The psalmist of psalm 142 cried out to God, “Lord, save my life; in your justice save my soul from distress for my spirit fails within me.” Psalm 146 sings praises to God by saying, “He heals the broken-hearted, he binds up all their wounds.”

I share the psalmists’ experience, I experienced that in my stress and distress I turned to God. In prayer and conversion with Him, I found peace and hope, for God, the divine doctor, allows me to see the purpose of all my duties. And He strengthens my spirit and empowers me to carry on. Therefore, when we are drowsy and feeling down in spirit, when we feel we have no strength to continue, let us turn to God, the divine doctor, to be restored and re-energized.

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Samuel Lim on 27th Aug 2010.

Reflections on The Voice of the Lord (Br David Arulanatham)

The Lord’s voice resounding on the waters,
The voice of the Lord, full of power,
The voice of the Lord, full of splendour,
The Lord’s voice shattering the cedars,
The Lord’s voice flashes flames of fire,
The Lord’s voice shakes the wilderness of Kadesh,
The Lord’s voice rending the oak tree
and stripping the forests bare,
The God of Glory thunders.
The Lord will give strength to his people,
The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Psalm 28(29)

I felt rather drawn to the ‘voice of the Lord’ as I reflected this psalm. It simply dawned to me that the voice of the Lord was not only full of power and splendour but it was a voice that was as gentle as a breeze speaking to me in his silent awe-inspiring presence. God was, is and continuing to speak to me. He is present to us in all of his magnificent creation. This insight or rather experience was very evident and overwhelming for me during my recent .thirty-day retreat. I realised that it is when I really become quiet both internally and externally within me that I am able to listen and hear the voice of God. It simply becomes an audible reality.

The voice of the Lord in its power and splendour is simply seeking us out to ‘be still’. It is only when we become quiet and still that we are able to hear, to listen to him relating to us. And these moments seem to occur in very strange, awesome and mysterious ways. Though strange and mysterious because the grace of God is at work we seem to be able to discern that it is God who is speaking to us.

I would like to share one such moment in my life. On my last day of my recent retreat I decided that I was going to do a closure by spending some time walking in the labyrinth after which I was coming out of the retreat situation. I had some wonderful reflections and thoughts but as I was just about to get out of the labyrinth a familiar tune emerged deep within me and before realising what was happening I began to sing a part of the song. I was literally amused and was laughing to myself because the song was not a spiritual song but a song from the movie, ‘My Fair Lady’. It is song that Audrey Hepburn sang, ‘Wouldn’t it be lovely’

Later, I spent some time reflecting the lyrics of the song, the movie itself and of course the state I was in at that point of time. The experiences of the retreat had left me with great affirmation and empowered feelings. It was then I became aware that the Lord was in his way telling me to be calm, and to have this strong desire to yearn for the heavenly home while desiring to live a simple comfortable life here and now. For me it was another great moment in my life. I marvelled at the experience of God, engaged in a conversation with me at a very personal and intimate way.

Today, as we pray the words of the psalmist glorifying the ‘voice of the Lord’ let us pray for the grace of God for us to be able to allocate time in our daily living to become still before the Lord, to be able to enter into this moment of quietness within us so that we will be able to hear and listen to the ‘voice of the Lord’. The ‘voice of the Lord’ in all its power and glory continues to lead us to his heavenly kingdom of love.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me;
and I give them eternal life, and they shall not perish
and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.

John 10 :27-28

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Joseph Zhang on 25th Aug 2010.

A Reflection on travelling (Br Aloysius Tan)

We all travel; sometimes for short trips and sometimes for long journeys. I used to struggle how to travel light. Sometimes, I travel together with friends for a holiday or go to some over- night programs or camps; I am amazed how they can travel with a small bag while I have a small bag plus a big bag. Perhaps, I bring extra clothing in case I can’t do my laundry, an umbrella in case it rains, an extra pair of sandals in case I need to go for a walk, some medicine in case I am not well, a torch light in case of power failure, and as this list goes on, the size of my bag also keeps on getting bigger and bigger.


It is also a similar picture reflecting our life; as we have a lot of “if” and “ in case” questions and worries in life; our baggage of life will definitely keep growing and it might even get to the point of being overweight. Thus, we might need to learn how to travel light in life, putting our trust in God; don’t carry excess worries and things; let God provide us in our life.

Today as we pray the psalm 8, we can be sure that the psalmists can freely and wholeheartedly praise God because they have put all their trust in God and they are free from the problem of excess luggage in life. The psalmist shows us this attitude of letting go and letting God lead in our following Christ to be his disciples.


Today as we celebrate the memorial of St. Pius X, let us also follow his example in trusting God, let this words of him inspire us to travel freely with the God:

"My hope is in Christ, who strengthens the weakest by His Divine help. I can do all in Him who strengthens me. His Power is infinite, and if I lean on him, it will be mine. His Wisdom is infinite, and if I look to Him counsel, I shall not be deceived. His Goodness is infinite, and if my trust is stayed in Him, I shall not be abandoned.”

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br David Arulanatham on 23rd Aug 2010.

Reflection on St. John Eudes, Priest (Br Martin Arlando)

There is an old story about the rabbi who asked his disciples how they knew that night had ended and the day was on its way back. “Could it be”, asked one, “when you can see an animal in the distance and tell whether it is a sheep or a dog?”

“No” the rabbi said.

“Well, then, what is it?” the disciples pressed.
“It is when you look on the face of any woman or man and see that she or he is your sister or brother. Because if you cannot do this, no matter what time it is, it is still night.”


Today the Church commemorates the memoria of St. John Eudes, Priest (1601 – 1680). He is probably best known for the central theme of his writings where he says Jesus is the source of holiness, whereas Mary is the model of the Christian life.

This is quite appropriate in his life as he ministered to the sick and to the fallen, conducted missions, founded religious orders and established new devotions. When he felt overwhelmed by all the tasks he had taken on, he prayed for help from God and found new strength in that grace.
We could say that he saw and recognized God in others and served them to the best of his ability. Our wish, our object, our chief preoccupation must be to form Jesus in ourselves, to make his spirit, his devotion, his affections, his desires and his disposition live and reign there.

Encountering Jesus close to us we let His love flow unto others as we serve them as Jesus came to serve and not to be served. All our religious exercises should be directed to this end. It is the work which God has given us to do unceasingly.

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Aloysius Tan on 21st Aug 2010.

Reflection on John 5:19-23 (Br Nicholas Lye)

Very often in life, I have turned to the Lord and asked, “Who am I, to be called to this ministry or that ministry? To reach out to this person or that person?” In my recent years of discernment, I have often asked the Lord, “Who am I, to be called to the priestly vocation, such a demanding and challenging ministry? Who am I, with all my weakness and failings, that you still find me worthy to do Your work? Who am I, in the midst of so much brokenness and chaos in the world, that I might still make a difference?”

One day while I was asking the above questions yet again, I found myself singing the lyrics of a song in my head:

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapour in the wind
Still you hear me when I’m calling
Lord you catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours

(Who Am I – Casting Crowns)

At that instant I broke down and cried, at the reminder of my identity as a child of God, His spiritual son. Then the words of scripture came to my mind: “the Son cannot do anything by himself, but only what he sees the Father do. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” (John 5:19)

Throughout my life, including my journey in discernment and formation, I often face a myriad of choices on what to do, how to react, whether to take on a particular challenging task, or even to stay in this vocation. Yet, I have realised that many of my choices were made based on what I thought was right, or what I thought was best for myself. These choices eventually led to much frustration, resentment, anger and even sinfulness.

Yet God is reminding me to turn to Him, and make choices based on what I see the Father doing through His Son Jesus. When I have fallen into sin, to see Jesus getting up again after every fall. When faced with temptations, to see Jesus praying and fasting in the desert. When in the midst of persecutions and injustice, to see Jesus remaining humble and patient. And even when faced with a broken church, to see Jesus still choosing to die for all, even those who have disappointed and persecuted Him, and even asking the Father to “forgive them for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

But above all that, I felt God telling me that it isn’t enough just to focus on becoming a good priest by seeing Jesus as the true Shepherd. What is more important is to focus on becoming a good son of the Father just as Jesus was. Only in growing in an intimate relationship with the Father, to truly love God the Father as his true son, am I on the right track towards doing all that He wills for me.

And so no matter where we are in life, whenever we feel called to an uphill task, or to a demanding or challenging ministry, mission or vocation, I pray that we may all not focus so much on ourselves and not question our capability; rather, may we always turn to God and recall our identity as God’s beloved children, and find courage and strength in that privileged identity to do what He is calling us to do, so that what God has done through His Son Jesus Christ, so will we, his sons, also choose to do.



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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Martin Arlando on 19th Aug 2010.

Reflections on The Bird and its Nest (Br Gabriel Wong)

There is a bird’s nest sighted in the seminary. Apparently, the parents built their nest in a rather peculiar spot. It is built on the protruding pipes in the first level, but approximately one level beneath the Adoration room.

One can’t help but think of a particular Psalm. Its Psalm 84:3:

The sparrow herself finds a home and the swallow a nest for her brood;
she lays her young by your altars, Lord of hosts, my king and my God.

It reminds me of my journey here in seminary. I have just begun my journey as an Initiation year Seminarian. There is no doubt that I can relate to the feelings of the chicks in the nest.

The chicks must be feeling excited at a seemingly new environment. They grow daily, basking in the love of their parents. The nourishment of the food makes them look forward to each day. The chicks are waiting patiently for their wings to grow stronger. They may not be ready to fly yet, but the desire to fly will emerge eventually as they see the flight of those who came before them.
I can relate to that.

As a young man, I have laid my life by your altar in the hope that one day I may too fly like those who have came before me - Your Priests. I have found a home here in this community. To draw a parallel reference to the growth of the chicks in the love of their family, I am too growing in the love of my family here.

Who are my family here? They are twenty other OLDER men in the community. Haha. ..they are my Formators Fathers and my sixteen senior Brothers. The challenges of my journey are made so much easier to bear with them around.

I am most thankful to You. There is never a day in which I can stop thanking you for the community here. It is a gift, which can be easily taken for granted. I am in love because I can see You in the faces of my family here. Sometimes it just takes much more effort to see Your face, but the sight never fails to appear.

I shall abide my time. Waiting for my wings to grow stronger one day eventually, I yearned to soar in the sky testifying to Your love in my life.

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Nicholas Lye on 15th Aug 2010.

Reflection on My Four Wives (Br Cornelius Ching)

Once upon a time, there was a rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much. He's very proud of her and always wanted to show off her to his friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear that she might run away with some other men.

He loved his 2nd wife, too. She is a very considerate person, always patient and in fact is the merchant's confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times.

Now, the merchant's 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, "Now I have 4 wives with me. But when I die, I'll be alone. How lonely I'll be!" Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant's heart.

The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you so much for all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is so good over here! I'm going to remarry when you die!"

The merchant's heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I always turned to you for help and you've always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave."

The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was devastated.

Then a voice called out : "I'll leave with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.

"The merchant looked up and there was his first wife. She was so skinny, almost like she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I could have!"

We all have 4 wives in our lives. The 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, they all go to others.

The 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they had been there for us when we're alive, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

The 1st wife is in fact our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material wealth and sensual pleasure. It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen it now rather than wait until we're on our death bed to lament.


Fr Ignatius Huan shared with us this story in his homily last week. It made me reflect deeply at how often I have neglected to take care of my soul. In the hustle and bustle of seminary life and pastoral work, often it is tempting to 'forget' to pray or just say the prayers. It made me think of the times when I have really felt the presence of God with me when I was praying and giving thanks to him for all he sends my way.

This story is a timely reminder for me, especially at the start of the semester, when work is starting to get heavier, not to neglect my faithful first wife, who has been with me all the time, to give her the attention and nourishment she needs. She will be the only thing I can bring from this world into the next.

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Gabriel Wong on 13th Aug 2010.

Reflection on Luke 2:39-40 (Br Terence Kesavan)

After finishing my 30-day silent retreat in June, it took some time to get updated on what had been happening in Singapore, and also clearing all the emails that had piled up. One email I received was on the new video that the National Family Council has produced and currently showing on TV. For those of you who haven’t seen the ad, watch the video below before reading on.

This ad struck me because of the tagline at end – “How one generation loves – the next generation learns”. During my retreat, we were given many passages of the life of Jesus to pray and reflect on. And on one of the days, I was given the passage from Luke 2:39-40 to reflect on.

“When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

This passage comes after the child Jesus is presented in the Temple. After that we see Jesus as an adult at his Baptism and starting his ministry. So my Retreat Master, told me to reflect on the life of Jesus growing up. The life of Jesus from the time that he was 12 up to 30 is not talked about in the bible. So I had to imagine what Jesus did during that time.

As I was praying, an image came to me of Mother Mary teaching Jesus, his Hebrew ABCs, maybe some mathematics, and St Joseph teaching him how to use the carpentry tools. Then I imagined Mary & Joseph teaching Jesus to pray to God. This was a bit surprising and funny, because I started to wonder, would Jesus need to be taught how to pray? After all he is the Son of God. But then I thought why not? Jesus would not only have learnt how to pray from His parents, but also their example of their love of God in their lives would also have been something that He learnt as he was growing up.

This led me to reflect on my own life. And it made me think of what I have learnt from my parents. Sure they taught me how to speak, how to write, how to ride a bicycle. But more than, that I was grateful for the lessons which I learnt from the example of their lives. I learnt about the faith and how to pray. I still remember once when I asked my mum about being a godmother, and she told me how she prays for all her god-children every night. It made me wonder, if she prays for her god-children every night, how much more must she be praying for me. From them I learnt how to be generous with my time, energy and possessions. And I came out of that prayer session feeling really blessed by God for the wonderful gift of my parents.

So today I would like each one of us here to reflect on two things. Firstly, what have we learnt from our parents? What kind of values and what kind of faith have we learnt from them?

And secondly, for those of you who are parents, what are you teaching your children? Not just by what you say, but by how you live your lives. I know of parents who will tell their children to pray and to obey God. But when it comes to their children’s studies, that will come before God. The children can have many enrichment classes, but Catechism class will be the first to be sacrificed if there is a clash.

So often we hear of parents telling their children to stop watching tv or playing the computer and to do their homework. How many parents tell their children to stop doing their homework because its time to read the bible or to pray? And this is not just for parents of young children. Even if your child is an adult, parents do play a role in the salvation of their children. St Monica prayed continuously for her adult son to change his ways, and God answered his prayers, he not only converted, he became a bishop and now we know him as St Augustine.

Let us give thanks for our parents and all that they have taught and inspired us. And let us ask our blessed Mother, to help us be good Christian examples for our children, the way she was for Jesus. Amen.

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Cornelius Ching on 11th Aug 2010.

Reflection on Psalm 36:10 (Br Jude David)

As a young boy, I used to enjoy going for walks in the estate I used to live in. One particular house used to fascinate me and I called this house, the “Purple house” because all the lights in this house were purple coloured. At nights, the whole house would have a purple glow to it which could be spotted from a distance and when one got closer and peeped in, everything in the house would look purple because of the lighting. Indeed, the light that fills a house affects the appearance of everything in it. In Psalm 36:10, the psalmist reminds us that in God’s light we see light. When God’s light fills our “house”, then, everything in it will be “coloured” by God’s presence. What is the type of light that fills your “house”?

The challenge for each of us is to allow God’s light to shine in our “house” which is our inner being that becomes the doorway for each of us to encounter the world. When we are filled with the light of God, then everything we encounter becomes touched by the presence of God. We will then be able to find God in all things. All of creation sings the glory of God and even our sufferings become powerfully redemptive.


When we are filled with the light of God, we also become light for the world for we become lanterns that carry the light of Christ into a darkened world that is longing for the dawn of new day. We become bearers of light, peace and joy – in short, we become messengers of Good News and prophets of the coming Kingdom of God. Let us pray for the grace to be constantly illuminated by the grace of God!

Jesus, you are the light of the world! Come and be my light so that I may be your light in the darkness of the world I live in. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Terence Kesavan on 09th Aug 2010.

Reflections on St Philip Minh and Companions (Br Anthoney Liew)

During semester break, I went back to College General, the seminary where I did my earlier formation in Penang. My attention automatically went to the monument of St Philip Minh and companions. It brought back a lot of beautiful memories. Above all, it reminded me to be courageous and strong in the growth of my Catholic faith especially in my journey towards priesthood.

Every time when I go through the history of St Philip Minh and companions, I am touched by their fidelity to God and their courage in facing all the challenges ahead of them. I admire their great faith in God. They are true disciples of Jesus who witnessed Christ with all their deeds even unto death. St Philip Bui-Van-Minh, who completed his studies for the priesthood at College General, refused to trample on the cross and deny his religion to his interrogators; St Peter Qui fasted, prayed and recited the rosary when he was in the prison and still clutched a small statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at his execution; St Paul Le Van Loc refused to renounce his faith; St John Hoan even thanked God during his execution and St Peter Nguyen Van Luu was praying and reciting the rosary during his execution.

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Jude David on 07th Aug 2010.

Reflections on Ps 43 (Br Peter Anthoney)

The psalms and canticle for this morning belong to those that glorify and praise God. However, it must be observed the psalmist is not simply praising God for his awesome power and almightiness but simply because this God, our God has not remained a transcendent God but one who is an imminent God, a God who was and is with them in all their struggles and difficulties. He is indeed a God with whom they had and continue to have a very personal intimate relationship of love, peace joy and hope.

As I reflect these words of the psalm, I observe that the psalmist is able to communicate freely what he intends to speak to God from the bottom of his heart. He says;

“Since you, O God, are my stronghold,
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go mourning,
Oppressed by the foe?

O send forth your light and your truth;
Let these be my guide.
Let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.


As I reflect on the words of these psalms and canticle I ask myself why am I not at like this God who had created me in his likeness and image, a God who created me a little less than himself. Am I not called to be like him, to reach out and touch the lives of the many people I come in encounter with.

I suppose we are all like that, wanting so much to be like our God but something within us seems to be an obstacle preventing us to become the person God intends of each us. So let us as we pray these psalms of praising and glorifying God we will seek the help of God for us to locate what is that, that is preventing us to be like him and seek the grace and strength of God for us to resolve these issues so that we can go forth living our live to the fullest for the gory of God and for our own salvation. Amen!

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Anthony Liew on 05th Aug 2010.

Reflections on Mary, Woman of Priority and Exceptional Love (Br Jovita Ho)

“Don’t let someone be a priority in your life… when you are just an option in theirs.”
This is a message displayed as a status in one of friend’s Facebook account, and as I was thinking about it, and while this same message although seem to be intended for perhaps a reality check for my friend’s relationship with other people, this same message can be applied on the spiritual level as well.

“Don’t let someone be a priority in your life… when you are just an option in theirs.”

Is God a priority in our lives or is God one of the many superfluous in our lives, so that he is a good option especially when times seems bad, relationships are on the rocks, finances are uncertain, and that option of having a soothing God makes perfect sense. Or is it when times are good for us, God seems to be that nice accessory that makes all things picture perfect? Or is he truly the real mantelpiece that takes centrestage in the room of our lives, in the heart of our being?

“Don’t let someone be a priority in your life… when you are just an option in theirs.”

If in our relating with people, especially with those whom we perceive as important, in a way likewise, we hope they will see us as important, as priority in their lives and not just mere options, second best accessories. Are we likewise doing the same for God, who practically gives us everything that you and I have in our lives. Nothing, nothing really belongs to us, they are gifts from the Lord. Yet, God gives us the freedom to use these gifts as we deem fit. He leaves the choice to us, no coercing, no forcing upon, while at the same time gives us the grace of knowing what is right and wrong.


Mary’s yes to the invitation to become the Mother of God in the Annunciation, her urgency in visiting Elizabeth thereafter despite her own pregnancy, Mary’s attentiveness the needs of the bridal couple at Cana when they ran out of wine, her openness to be not just the mother of Jesus, but to be the mother of the beloved disciple – who represents the whole of humanity – at the foot of the Cross despite her own sorrows, was not simply bored out as a matter-of-fact, as if it comes naturally to her. But Mary’s constant ‘yes-es’ was a result of her recognizing God as a priority in her life, and the awareness that she too is not a mere digit or iota in the plan of God, but truly as someone unique and is a priority in God’s plan. Not an option but truly a priority.

Mary’s yes is also an act of love, an act of the mind and heart, an act of will. Love is acceptance of what God has in store for us as it is, and yet love is also a rejection. When we love something or someone, it also means we reject something or someone. If John loves Mary, this would mean that he rejects all other girls and his love, his preference is for no one else but Mary. Likewise, if we love God, it also means that we reject sin and all other things that prevent us from loving him wholly and fully.

If given a choice on a train journey, would we not want to travel first-class and enjoy all the perks and first-class comforts? God does not have second-best or economy-class plan for each of us, but God has a first-class plan, a heaven-class plan for each of us, and He is inviting to hop on this train ride with Him, and yet only if we want to. Sadly, many of us prefer a second-class train ride, a second-rated relationship with Him, and that at times includes even me.

Whenever we approach Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, let us ask God the Father for the grace to see as Mary sees, to love as Mary loves, to see and ask for the grace to recognize that God has a unique plan for each of us. We are not mere options in God’s masterplan, but truly a priority. Ask Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament for that exceptional love just as Mary has, to love God the Father exceptionally, as truly a priority in our lives. Let God be the priority in our lives and not just an option.

Dearest Mother, grant to us the quality of exceptional love for your Son Jesus, so that He can lead us to the Father. Help us in this train of life, and never let us lose hope. Whenever we lose sight of your Son Jesus, gently guide us with your maternal love and when times calls for it, rebuke us with tough love on your part, so that we be ever perfecting in our journey towards the Kingdom. All these we pray in the name of Jesus, through the Father, in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Peter Anthoney on 03rd Aug 2010.