Prayer Needed!

I don't how how true this message is, but I got it just this morning about a persecution of a Christian missionary in East Timor, whose name is *Pastor Ferdie Flores, saying that he will be killed today through beating.

True or not, let's just send our prayers to the Father for this missionary...


*Edited: Not Peter, that's a Pastor.

Different Crosses

'Why do Catholic Churches have Crucifix instead of an empty Cross?' - A question frequently asked by local non-Catholics and non-Christians.

When I was still spiritually immature, I hate to have this question being thrown at me. I would avoid it whenever and wherever I could. Now, it's totally different. As I grew up in God's fantastic love, I understood why Catholics use Crucifixes instead of an empty Cross.

For Protestants, an empty cross means the Resurrection of Christ. It's a proof that Jesus is alive today. Yes, we Catholics certainly agree and believe that He is risen. But is this what Christianity is all about? A risen Christ? Of course not. Catholics believe in something more powerful - the very reason behind Christ's Resurrection.

Why did Jesus come to this lowly Earth in the first place? Why did Jesus choose to die in the first place? And why did Jesus choose to die ON A CROSS - such a shameful death - in the first place? There is no other reason than His LOVE for us.

Everytime I gaze at the Crucifix, it reassures me again and again, that God loves me. His love has gone to the extend of dying a shameful death on the Cross...just for ME!

There is only ONE message behind Christ's death and resurrection:"For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son..." John 3:16

As you lift up your heads and set your eyes upon the Crucifix, don't forget to give Him thanks and simply whisper 'I love you too' from your heart.

Let me say something...

This post is especially for a great lady, whose name is Juliana.

I happen to read the reflection for Mission Sunday, so I know I have to tell you this. You have to know the truth. Please continue reading till the end, ok?

When I first saw you and listened as you were reading in front, I was really amazed at how well you read. Everytime it was your turn as a Reader, I enjoyed listening to you and even hoped that one day I could become as good as you. For me, you were simply the best.

Everytime I saw you in church, I could not stop myself from staring at you (I know it's rude to stare!) and smiling to myself. I did not know why, but I just felt happy to have you around.
Finally, I had the chance to serve as a Reader as well. I had only one wish then, that was to ask for your comments on how I should improve my reading. But I did not have many chances to do so.

I guess you must have noticed me staring at you. So I was warned by someone not to look at you for you thought that I disliked you. It hurt me so deeply knowing that you have been thinking like this all these while.

Then came the greatest trial I have ever encountered - being one of the church political victims. When decisions were made by the 'elders of the church' to eliminate the few of us using irrelevent excuses, you defended us but ended up being victim like us. Did you know that what you did was a spirit-lifter when I was totally drowned by sorrow? You know, if I were not a Catholic, I would have approached those so-called 'elders of the church', slapped them and cursed them with F***. Did you know that you were my heroine? I wished I could thank you when I met you in church, but I was afraid as I remembered my friend's warning. So here it is.... THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE.

*Sigh* Please do not let the Evil One break the special bond that bind us all together. Just want to let you know that I will always admire and respect you for who you are, no matter how you think of me.

I pray that God may shower you with His great blessings always. Thank you for stopping by.

Remains A Question

I didn't get to visit the Carmelite sisters last weekend, but managed to talk to a good friend from the Emmaus Community (a special prayer group who meet up twice a week for prayers and reflections).

'Are you sure?' she asked. 'I think you better think it over again.'

'I've been thinking for a few weeks. I just want to ask the sisters for more information.' I said.

'How do you know it's from Him?'

'I don't know. I'm looking for an answer too. It couldn't be a coincidence, right?'

'So how do you feel about it?'

'Joy and peace, it's like a dream coming true.'

'Ok,' she hesitated. 'Why not you give Catherine a call and ask her about it first?' She gave me her number. (I don't know what is Catherine's relationship with the sisters, but I know she's like their secretary, helping to take care of the sisters' matters.)

I did. I was told that the local Carmelite community does not accept students like me. They want total commitment from members to attend all the classes and meetings. I am most certainly welcomed to join them once I've graduated.

Well, a little disappoiting for me. Perhaps, God wants to prepare me before letting me join the Carmelite order. Or perhaps, I'm a little spiritually immature? Or maybe... Ahh, whatever! My whole life is in His hands, so why should I worry? As long as He let me love Him with all my heart and soul!

So, what now? What else! Concentrate on my studies, do well with flying colours (God willing), and graduate after 6 more months! And then? Hmm... I hope to go for Masters... but I think I'll let Him decide what He wants for me.

[p.s. I want to thank those of you who have been praying for me. God bless all of you!]

Tagged!

'Unfortunately', I was memed by A Catholic Life. Hehe... =P

Here are the rules for this meme:
1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.

This is just amazing... I found my 23rd post to be on the 23 Aug. My own confession that reminds me to always live as a faithful Catholic:

I received Confirmation 7 years ago, at Blessed Sacrament Church.


I hereby tag:
1. CK
2. Su Yin
3. Danny
4. Jason
5. Toby

Also anyone else who want to give it a try. Enjoy! ;)