If you so will you can make me clean. MK 1: 40-45.

In todays Gospel, a leper came and begged Jesus for pity and to be healed. When Jesus healed him, he was instructed to keep quiet present himself to the high priest and offer up a sacrifice as the teachings of moses. But instead the moment he left Jesus, he went telling everyone and ppl start crowding around Jesus to the point that He could not teach

In reflection, Jesus heals all of us but often he wants us to proclaim his glory through our actions rather then through our words. He wants us to give back to him in our own sacrifice. And instead when we think we know better and decide to only speak of his glory , through our intentions although Good was not what Jesus wanted. In the end by simply proclaiming Jesus was prevented from conducting his ministry.

So in summary, we are not always called to proclaim Gods glory , but we are also called to action. We are not only called to speakof Gods Glory but more important to procaim his glory through our daily lives. Without action we may simply cause Jesus more headache :).
Regards ,

Lincoln Lee

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Five Loaves and Two Fishes

Ever wonder what this story in the Gospel means to you. I was reflecting on this last night, and I discerned another meaning to this story. In a nutshell, Jesus was preaching to a large crowd of people, approximately 5,000, when it was getting late. His disciples advised Jesus that He should send the crowd off to the farms and towns to look for their own food. Instead Jesus asked the disciples to bring what food they had; which was Five Loaves of Bread and 2 Fishes, Blessed it and distributed it enough to feed 5000 people, with 12 baskets full to spare. Interestingly the Gospel reading starts off with saying that Jesus noticed the large crowd, moving around like Sheep with out a Shepherd, and He decide to preach to them.

 

A simple and lovely story on how Jesus takes care of his flock. For me I further understood it that it the Five Loaves and Two Fishes really represented the gifts that we have. The number of items , 7 in total could reflect the gifts/ fruits of the spirit. Yet these simple and meager gifts, 5 loaves and 2 Fishes, especially in today's context – really boring meals, barely enough for our own self and not others, through the grace and blessing of Jesus, are multiplied to serve many others, and still be blessed with many more that it is abundantly overflowing. The 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes, were taken from a little boy in the crowd, symbolizing how Jesus, can use your gifts to serve many of his wondering flock.

 

A further important part of the reflection, is that these gifts without Jesus, will still remain the 5 loaves and 2 fishes, that could only feed the little boy. However in the midst of "Chaos" and with Jesus as our shepherd, and through His nurturing and blessings of the gifts we have, our potential is limitless and overflowing. He uses the simple things in our life, to bring our the full potential we can be, to reach out to the lost and searching, and fills them with good things

 

Putting God First

In our busy daily lives, and in our pursuit of worldly matters, we often forget to put God first. Especially in our simple daily task, and in times of joy and happiness, we tend to forget God's loving influence and touch in our daily lives. I myself would admit that I often forget to put God first, especially when I am enjoying myself and having a good time. And conversely it is worrying that I tend to turn to God at times of turbulent, and troubles.

 

If we consider God as a close friend, the reverse would actually be true. We often share happy moments with our loved one's, announcing and celebrating significant milestones with them such as promotions, parties and etc, yet we similarly neglect or tend to forget to share these moments with God. Honestly, if God was human, I am sure that He would be greatly offended. But ..then again, that’s the beauty of God, He is not human. He is the almighty, the ever merciful and compassionate.

 

God not only loves us in our best moments, but His love for us does not change in our darkest moments. His love is deeper then the deepest ocean and longer lasting then eternity. His love is always there, and He loves us so much, that He does not compel or force us to love him back . He wants a genuine and loving relationship, and will always be standing there whenever we are ready to turn to Him. When I reflect on this, I realized, there is no man / woman on earth that exemplifies this love , or anywhere close to it, yet we often seek out belonging and relationships with our fellow human beings rather then turning to God.

 

In recent times, I've learnt that putting God first in whatever you do, somehow makes things easier. In times of happiness and joy, to share your happiness with Him, and to thank him for the abundant blessings he has graced me with, and in difficult times, to offer a prayer, admitting my own weakness, and to ask for His guidance and presence to be with me. By doing this, especially in difficult times, things do not turn out as bad as I would have expected.

 

Like before going into a meeting or conversation, knowing well that it could be a problematic one, I offer a prayer, asking for help, patience, guidance and wisdom, and without fail, things turn out better then expected. Or when I am enjoying myself on a holiday with great company, in a beautiful surrounding, I marvel at God's creation, and the perfection of His creation, the sunsets, the breeze, the waves of the sea, and I thank him for giving me the opportunity to experience these things , and with the people I care for.

 

I admit that it I often forget to practice this, but when I do, I find the experience a lot better, and sweeter for me. I appreciate what I have and am grateful for my many blessings. In difficult times, I then see His loving and guiding hand, protecting me from harm, and supporting me in my challenges.

Questions on the Practices of the Catholic Faith

I was recently asked a few questions regarding the practices of the catholic faith by an atheist friend with regards to homosexualty, women priest and the vows of celibacy.

Apparently I wrote it well enough that they thought I googled it for them. I assure you it was written entirely by myself.

So here are the questuions and my reponse to it based on my limited understanding of the teachings of the Catholic church.

Homosexuality - The act of homosexuality is seen as an act that is agaisnt nature. Sex is intended for the creation of life between a married couple. Although married couples may have sex on a frequent basis - contraceptives are not allowed, as it will interfere with the creation of life ( act of God) . Hence although sex can be out of pleasure, the married couple should be ready to accept the resulting factor of a baby if it so happens. Hence homosexual sex , is a sexual act, whereby no life can be created, hence an unnatural act. Similar to masturbation, as no life can result from it. Premarital & Extramarital sex is also a sin, because these "unions" are of a self serving nature, and destroys the sanctity of the institution of marriage. However it must be emphasized that it is the act of Homosexuality that is despised and not the homosexual individual , as the Church views all creation of God as Holy and beloved, irregardless of their actions.

Women Priest - Jesus's 12 apostles were all male ( all appointed by Him) , and Peter was apointed the first pope of the catholic church. Going down the line of popes, it is believed that it must be passed on to a male. In addition to this, the pope leads an global religion, where his authority is represented in the Bishops, which are represented in the priest. As such, the Priest , Bishops and Pope must be male.

This does not mean that the church views the contribution of Females as any lesser. I am sure you have noted the importance we have placed to Mother Mary's role in the Church, as the Mother of God and the Mother of Church. Hence women who wish to commit their life to God, can do so as a religious Nun , in service to different ministries. You have seen nuns who dedicate their life works in Hospitals ( Assunta / Fatima Hospital) , Education (Convent Schools) , Poor and Destitute ( Mother Theresa) or complete prayers ( Carmelite nuns) . They too take similar vows as the priest - Chastity, Obedience and Poverty. Also to note, the Catholic church follows not only the teachings of Christ through the Holy Bible, but also through the Holy traditions, as well as Theological intepretations and teachings such as Canon Law ( the law of the church). Holy traditions and Theological intepretations are all based on the Holy Bible.

Vow of Celibacy - Is one of the most important vow for a priest or religious. When entering into the sacrament of Holy Orders ( Ordanation as a Priest / Monk / Nun) the individual commits him/herself fully to Christ , and to service to Christ through his ministries and vocation. A commitment of life to God basically ( similar to Sacrament of Marriage - a lifetime commitment to your spouse) . In addition to this, in the life of service, the individual needs to focus on the ministry they are in fully and entirely, and not to be distracted with building and fostering a family, as their family is now the Church. Hence the individual leaves everything behind to serve God, especially the persuit of worldly pleasures and materials . Hence the Vows of Poverty , Chastity and Obedience.

I am sure many married couples can testify how difficult it is to focus on building the family, taking care of your spose, providing for the family. As a priest or religious, their "allegience" is to the church, as opposed to a married couple who needs to take care of one another. Having said that it is common , that Nuns / Priest have adopted children as their own to be the legal guardian. The act of celibacy extends to sexual acts and not only matrimony, as the point above highlights, sex is intended for the creation of life, hence masturbation is a sin.

Regards ,

Lincoln Lee

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Advent - Preparing for the coming of our saviour

The season of advent is always a contemplative season, of joy and happiness, as we prepare ourselves for the joyful occasion of the birth of our Lord. It is like preparing for the arrival of an important guest to our home, where you'll spend hours cleaning, preparing the food, making every thing is perfect. So the season of advent is the same.

Well this year 2009 I entered into advent with full knowledge of this and even begun advent with a prayer that I can prepare myself as best I can. Unfortunately I eventually got caught up with the business of the season - the stress of christmas shopping , dealing with family politics on the venue and menu for christmas eve dinner, participating in not one but two caroling groups, as well as trying hard to clear up my work schedule in a short working month of december. These gave me a convenient excuse to neglect my own preparations, and at the same time I felt and saw myself turning into a bitter and impatient person ; forgetting the true meaning of christmas. I skipped ( or avoided ) all penitential services.
As the days drew closer to christmas, I headed down to singapore where I thought I could catch a last minute reconciliation service. I was wrong all services was over and there were no more opportunity to attend confession for christmas. So much for house keeping.

On christmas eve, after the usual family dinner celebrations, there were the difficult discussion on when to attend Mass and when to open the presents as everyone had differing opionions and requirements. I announced that I will go for midnight mass on my own

As I walked to church , I became painfully aware of how I neglected the real reason for christmas. I neglected in preparing myself to welcome him - despite caroling Joy to the world in many homes. My heart and soul was no where near a state of grace befitting to welcome my saviour.

I stopped by the grotto before I went for mass and made a last minute plea to our Blessed Mother for the grace to truly be able to still welcome her son as she once did. I walked into chruch and sat in the pew. I half listened to the carols from the choir, contemplating and praying on how unprepared I was. I then realised that Jesus was borned in a manger, one of the lowliest and dirtiest place possible. He was not born in the best of hospitals, but among barn animals.

I realised that Our Lord came down among the lowliest to save us. He did not come to work with the mighty and rich, but among the poorest - poor and weak in many ways

I recall Fr Mike said that no matter how late you started your preparations , as long as you do , to open your heart sincerly and truly to welcome Him- that is all that matters. The labourer who worked for the last hour is paid the same wages as the labourer who started at dawn.

Despite my failings and sins , I am still His Beloved. I am His chosen one as I have chosen Him. He is mine and I am His. He has called me by my name before I was formed. For He is truly a merciful and loving God, and His love knows no boundaries.

" Unto us a child is born. And He will be called Mighty counselor, Prince of Peace, Almight God..."
Regards ,

Lincoln Lee

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A new year a new beginning

The year of the rat is over and a new year of the ox has begun.Thank God for the year of the rat is over and praise him for the new year.

2008 was a tough year and hopefully 2009 will be a more stable year despite the poor economic outlook

Signal Graces

Times are still tough and challenging especially in the office. I often feel very drain and demoralized everyday, and physically exhausted despite having a weekend break. My schedule has been very hectic, and I often do not have time to myself just to chill out and do the things i have to do or what to do. Lately I have been praying for direction and guidance in my life. Asking God if what I was doing is correct, especially more this weekend. I didn’t think much of it, but at the end of Sunset Mass last Saturday at SFX, as we were singing the recessional hymm, when I suddenly look up , and there was this old man, who looked like he was a bit crazy, walking pass me. As he walked pass me, he just flashed me a toothy grin and gave me the thumbs up .

 

Ordinarily I would have dismissed such an action, as an eccentric old man (missing a few marbles) being friendly to everyone. But at the time when I was seeking direction and affirmation in my life, this was too coincidental to ignore.

 

Well as ”Signal Graces are signs sent by God to help us make the right decisions in life. Moses saw a burning bush as a sign from God, and other people received signs from God daily. Signal graces usually come about as subtle hints to help keep us moving in the right direction - these signs are truly gifts from God.” - http://www.erosary.com/faq/view/about-the-rosary/what-is-a-signal-grace?/120.htm

 

I guess that was my signal grace from God that I am doing ok.