We are Soldiers of Christ...

There is a common tendency today, as it was for me, over the last couple of months, to become distracted and drowned by the noise around us; not noise, in the physical sense, but rather a kind of “noise” that stirs up the peace, harmony and equilibrium of the Spirit...a type of noise that many in the world have too often failed to feel or even recognize; almost accepting this as a secular way of life.

It is a “noise” that is always there waiting to seduce us, to tempt us and to possess us...to disturb us...until we lose focus of the peace and calm which Jesus taught us.  Pope Benedict XVI reminds us, “Anyone who breaks off friendship with Jesus, casting off his “easy yoke”, does not attain liberty, does not become free, but succumbs to other powers.”

The noise of our secular jobs, careers, financial pursuits, desires, wants...the list goes on and on.  As mere human beings, created by a God who loves us, each day becomes a battle against these worldly temptations.  Prophet Isaiah goes further to remind us today...

“Yahweh called me before I was born, from my mother’s womb he pronounced my name.  ...Whoever walks in darkness, and has no light shining for him, let him trust in the name of Yahweh, let him lean on his God.” (Isaiah 49:1, 50:10, Jerusalem Bible)

I have been “SimplyQuiet” for quite a while and although, I myself continue to often read and reflect on this journal, reminding myself of my own thoughts and epiphanies past.  Yet, I have not found the spiritual discipline to reflect, share and put down into words much of my thoughts; mainly because, I have not made time to pause and to deeply reflect on them.

Breezing through life this way, without taking time to pause and reflect on the journey, I am reminded, has left a kind of empty void deep inside; it is a kind of emptiness and loneliness that is not easy to express in words.  Often, many people will simply brush it off...whilst others will realise that this emptiness results from our original belongingness to our loving Creator, who keeps calling us back.


This, as I have come to realise, is because, we are first loved by Him and to Him we all belong, we are the Lord’s and St Augustine could not have put it better when he shared that, “our hearts are restless, till they rest in God.”  Our hearts continue to have a deep burning love and desire for God, for oneness with Him, no matter how distant we have strayed away...no matter how distracted we have become.

Nevertheless, it is heartening to see that, despite my having remained quiet; this simple blog-journal continues to draw pilgrims, by the grace of God, from all over the world.  It is a humbling experience to know that, even though I have not been blogging so frequently, at least my previously shared reflections continues to reach and touch others in ways which only God can do.  I guess this is what people call passive evangelization; no matter how “inactive” I have become.  Truly God is great to use a sinner like me...to use a blog like this...I am truly humbled.

For me, I continue to remain a mere instrument simply at the Lord’s disposal, quietly reflecting on my journey and simply sharing it on the blogosphere whenever He moves me to, whenever He wills me to.

Earlier this month, I stumbled across an old second-hand book by a legendary author, born in 1380 at Kempen, near Dusseldorf; Thomas a Kempis...yes, “The Imitation of Christ”, this version being a translation by Leo Sherley-Price; an influential writing for over 500 years.

Believe it or not, this is one book which I have screened through time and again since my yesterdays of youth but somehow, never ever managed to complete it cover to cover.  Truly written with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the pages or even sentences always overwhelms my being...stirs my soul; reminding me of my mortality, my unworthiness and what a great sinner I have become...allowing myself to be polluted by the noises of the world.

Each page of this simple book glows with the reflected Light from the Holy Scriptures...the Word made flesh.  Writing, journaling or even blogging is so important in order for us to leave a legacy for others.  If not for Thomas obediently writing these down, we would never have been able to savour the beauty and wisdom of ‘The Imitation’.

In fact, Thomas also spent much of his time in the copying of the Scriptures; silence became his good friend, work his companion and prayer his aid.  Of Thomas’ outwardly life, little remains to be told......why today, he would probably have been labelled as an “anti-social”.

Yes, many saints have fallen in love with this book and even more have experienced a sense of nearness to God upon reflection of the spirit-inspired pages within this book; second only to the Bible, as many publishers would testify.

I am hoping that this book will also rejuvenate me spiritually, in ways that will help me better deal and cope with the “noise” of the secular world; to become more aware of my own dependence on God’s love and the empty futility of my journey without the companionship of this one loving God.  In short, to realize, live, love and work as if God is still relevant...in fact, God must be seen to be genuinely relevant in our lives lived...otherwise, dare we call ourselves Christians?

In the days of old, where there did not exist as many technological gadgets like the photocopier machine, electronics like the laptop computer, communication tools like the new Apple iPhone, iPad, Android Tablets, what-have-you kind of instruments...people’s lives were much simpler then.  In the days of past, people read more, became interested in philosophy; essentially the simple love of wisdom (Philo = love, Sophia = wisdom).  Through this simple habit of reading, spirituality blossom, faith deepens, wisdom nurtured, not to mention, more acute awareness and reliance or dependence on God.

I cannot help but be convinced, through many experiences that there is a higher divine reason for each spiritual book that I stumble across and with each book-encounter, is revealed a hidden message that God would like to reveal to me at certain points of my pilgrimage through life; also for me to share with others.

These days, many people have fallen astray, drowned in their busy careers and personal worldly pursuit of so-called success, self-glorification and accumulation of material wealth.

Someone I know, who has been experiencing a steep rise in career, was recently diagnosed with Stage 3, colon cancer.  Time and again, we receive ‘reminders’ like these to steer us back onto the right path, the narrow path...where many will not or dare not, take.  Often, under such circumstances, our inner worldly voice would echo, “Where is God when you need him most?” or the cries of, “Life just isn’t fair!” resounds.

On the flipside, should not we ask and remind ourselves more often, “where is our gratitude to the God, who made us, blessed us, provided for us and continually love us?”

Although Thomas a Kempis returned to the Father a long time ago, back in 1471, the offspring of his thoughts, through the fruit of this book lives on...guiding us...providing us with the road map to being one with the Father.

It has almost been a year since I returned back to corporate employment.  To be precise, August 15 will be my first anniversary.  Throughout this duration, I have endeavoured to put into practice good Christian values and most important of all, surrendering to God all what I cannot handle as a mere human weakling.  So far, God has not let me down and my journey has found more meaning and richness, providing much opportunity for spiritual reflection, by God’s grace and naturally, choosing to reach out and touch lives in the course of my simple journey through life.

Experiencing the Stations of the Cross, the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded each Lent, coupled with the strength that we can draw from the Passion of Christ is what makes being a Catholic, extremely privilege, special and exclusive.

Catholicism depicts such sacredness, holiness and richness in its Liturgy, the Mass and the Holy Sacraments; a well of strength we can draw upon each time we feel alone, fallen, isolated, unwanted or distracted by noises.  Whenever we seek quietness, simple guidance for a decision, God is there, God will be there.  Across the ages, Catholicism boasts of great authors, writings from the saints and mystics.

The book, “The Imitation of Christ” appropriately reminds us in these excerpts:

“If you knew the whole Bible by heart, and all the teachings of the philosophers, how would this help you without the grace and love of God?”

“It is vanity to give thought of this present life, and to care nothing for the life to come.  It is vanity to love things that so swiftly pass away, and not to hasten onwards to that place where everlasting joy abides.”

“Strive to withdraw your heart from the love of visible things, and direct your affections to things invisible.”

With such spirit-inspired gems on every other sentence, how can one ever finish a book like this?  But then, our God may not wish for us to just complete this book in one sitting, but rather, to slowly chew on the pages, digesting these whilst we reflectively journey through life; and like a mirror, reflecting his light to many others who are sent towards our path.

Until my next posting, God’s blessings to one and all...hope and pray that this simple blog has and will continue to attract more pilgrims of life and reach out and touch your hearts in any small little way, by the grace of God.  We must always remember that we have all been chosen as Soldiers of Christ...the earth, being our battlefield, where victory is dependent on the simple choices we make each day.

Therefore, just be “SimplyQuiet” amidst the more dominant seductive and corrupted noise and subtle temptations of the world.  St Augustine once shared:

“The devil does not sleep, but works hard to make you lose your soul.  Will you then continue to rest when your eternal salvation is at stake?”

Even Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta added:

“The devil tempts us.  His aim is death, not so much you or I: we are nothing.  It is about God, a hatred of God.”

Light of Genesis...Same Light that Dawned Bethlehem

“In the beginning God created heaven and earth.  And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved over the waters.” (Genesis 1:1-2, Douay Rheims)

A simple sharing this Advent...

Today, a friend asked me about the story of Creation, found in the book of Genesis.  She was confused...  Why is it that in the beginning, the earth is covered with darkness...emptiness...void?

Many people continue to read Genesis as the story of creation in terms of a religion versus science debate; reading the Holy Bible as if it is a story book or a pop novel.  This way of reading imposes our historical situation on the sacred text (using our finite mind to comprehend the infinite Word) and misses entirely the spiritual insights that open our heart to the “religious” meaning the story had for ancient Israel, and the spiritual meaning that God intends for us today.

This Advent, as we quietly contemplate on the lighted candles of Advent, we remind ourselves that the Word of God is alive and will continue to examine us individually today if we choose to allow it.  The Word of God is Light that pierces through the darkness in our lives...bringing hope, peace, love and joy.

For instance, the Genesis’ creation day is different from the ordinary day with which we are normally familiar with these days.  With the sacred scriptures, it is always about reading through the eyes of faith, patiently allowing the Word to sink into our hearts, taking quiet time to encounter the Word.  The story of Creation tells us that the Spirit of God brought life and light out of chaos and darkness.  The Holy Spirit is “the Lord and Giver of Life”.

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, reminds all of us today of the power and goodness of God as manifested in the creation of the world, and also the dependence of fragile creatures like us, on the dominion of the ultimate Creator; from a formless, empty void, He unconditionally fills it with life, and from darkness, He brings forth Light – in God, there is simply no darkness...only Light.

The first chapter of Genesis shares that in the beginning the world was “formless and empty.”  It then proceeds to show how God sets out to fix this - first, by giving the world form and then filling it with abundance.  In Days 1-3, God creates the “form” of the world - the day and the night; the sky and the sea; the land and the vegetation.  In Days 4 - 6, God fills these “form” with the sun, moon and stars, the birds and the fish to fill the sky and the seas; and man and beast, which rule the land.

There is a perfect order to all these; from chaos, comes order.  First God creates the “structure” of the world, then, He fills that structure with living beings.  After each day of creation, God sees that His work is “good.”  After the six “work days” are through, God sees that His work is “very” good.  The word “very” is used to mark the end of the creation cycle.

Very briefly, Genesis is a story of faith...our faith, telling us how God chose a particular family to keep His Revelation, and how He trained His Chosen People to fulfill His mission; how His Light still shines forth today through His chosen people and still continue to radiate out simply, gently and quietly to this chaotic world that is filled with much darkness.

As we prepare for Christmas, simply remember that Christ IS “the Light that came into the world” to dispel the “darkness” of sin and to radiate the truth and love of God to each one of us.  Like the poor humble shepherds, let us always be watchful and simply trusting to the quiet call of God...following the one true Light...

As His chosen people, let us always choose to create a new Genesis in the lives of others on this short journey through life..to re-create the world we live in so that we can experience heaven, here on earth today.

Let the joyful bells of Christmas resound, proclaiming the birth of the Creator, the source of life...the true Light of the world.

Maranatha!  Let us simply and quietly invite Him into our lives, O Christ our Lord!

God bless all.  Blessed Christmas to one and all!  Peace and joy across the land!  We are but ONE family...ONE colour...the colour of the ONE human race; created and hand-painted by the ONE God who loves us for eternity!

Simply Waiting Again...Searching...

“But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Who in time past were not a people: but are now the people of God.  Who had not obtained mercy; but now have obtained mercy.”

(1 Peter 2:9-10, Douay Rheims)

Another eventful year 2011, is about to come to a close...a new one beginning again.

The economics around the world looked set to become another mess created by the greed of humans and the so-called, superpowers.  Many continue to be slaves to the world, to debts, to the restlessness and anxiousness of today.  Where most people around the world are led to the popular idea that Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Germany, Spain are the primary cause of this global economic downturn, many still believe that the real and present threat is quietly erupting in the United States, especially.

In any case, it is always the story of the poor becoming poorer and the rich simply gets wealthier by the day.  Doesn’t this sound all too familiar during the time of Jesus as well...the mighty Egyptians against the Hebrews, the Romans, and the Samaritans, the lepers, the marginalized...  This world has never learnt and never changed!

Quietly, but surely, the holy season of Advent comes upon us again; November 27, 2011.  It is simply a time of waiting, a time of preparing, a time to examine, a time for renewal, conversion, turning back to God...most of all, a 4-Sundays journey to receive Jesus Christ anew at Christmas...a new beginning to the Roman Catholic Church liturgical calendar.

Coincidently, according to the Holy Quran, Allah has given that it is also the first day of the first peaceful and sacred Muharram month of the Islamic calendar...yet, fighting is still ever prevalent all across the land, all over the world...greed, abuse, abortion, corruption, bribes, marginalization, crimes, conspiracy, etc!!

Many Advents has come and gone, with renewal still lacking.  The soul of the world has not changed much, yet, materially, nothing looks the same.  We recall that the simple word “Advent” originates from the Latin word “ad venio”, meaning “to come”, and thus refers to the waiting of the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall...this sacred season is filled with expectations for many, waiting, waiting...  Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, we must remember that this period is a journey towards satisfying our longing for Jesus Christ – the Word made flesh...coming to dwell amongst us...bringing hope to many...the Messiah in the form of a baby born in Bethlehem!

Is there any room for Him in the inns of our hectic hearts?  We must always remember who we are in the presence of God, the source of all life, all joy, peace; without whom we are nothing!

“...Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus.” (Apocalypse of St John – Revelations 22:20, Douay Rheims)

The Aramaic word, Maranatha reminds us to continue to invite Jesus Christ the Lord into our hearts!  God does not care about our past; He simply wants us to know who we are and who we can be.

Jesus, the same Messiah foretold in the prophecies of Isaiah, the lost lamb whom the poor shepherds found amidst their flock on a quiet night, the same King in a faraway manger whom the three humble kings searched and adored on bended knees with gifts of gold (royalty, authority), frankincense (holy priesthood) and myrrh (healer)...Glory to God on High, Jesus, in Hebrew, the Emmanuel...is with us...God is always with us each day.  Simply wait and listen to His voice!

A Blessed and Holy Advent to one and all as we journey together, as one people, as one human race, towards Christmas!  I have been quiet for a while but sometimes, silence is good for the soul...  With your prayers, it is my sincere wish this season is to be able to share more of my simple thoughts with all of you, for the glory of Him who created me, gives me life and sustained me.  Praying that each one of you have a meaningful Advent and remain in good spirit.

Simply be quiet,

Simply be watchful,

Be extra patient

and listen for the still, small whisper of God,

Who is waiting to touch you with joy...give meaning to your journey

Like Mary and Joseph, we, too must remain simple and simply remember that Jesus is an unconditional gift from God to us and that He came to die for all, so that each one of us may simply live...and find eternal life!
 

Apple...and the Tree of Life...

“Life is this simple: we are living in a world that is absolutely transparent and the divine is shining through it all the time.  This is not just a nice story or a fable, it is true. ”

― Thomas Merton, O.C.S.O



Earlier this week, I was reminded of a sharing some years back by the CEO of Apple.  Well, cancer somehow finds a way to humble even the giants among us.

However, in his interactions with his people, fellow human beings, the late Steve Jobs was not the world's greatest manager.  In fact, this very God-gifted person, what the world perceived as, a “visionary” who revolutionized multiple industries with his cutting-edge products could have been, if not, one of the world's worst managers; his management style shrouded with darkness...instead of radiating light.

Where he could have reached out and touched many lives, he chose to destroy... constantly demanded excellence from people around him and was known for his blunt delivery of criticism.  God seems to have disappeared from his life.  Rather, his core obsession was with the change in people's lifestyle through his iPhones, iPads, Apple computers, iPods...everything else with the selfish “i”.

This very simple orphan, who once delivered the inspiring message at the Stanford University, seems to have forgotten how all the simple dots of his life...connected back to God...the ultimate tree of life...the ultimate architect...the ultimate provider.

At the end of the day, God will simply hold us all accountable...  Let us then, as simple pilgrims, always remember this throughout our journey through life...we are merely humble instruments of God...sending out tiny ripples to make this world a little better for all...so that others too, whoever they may be, will come to know the loving God...through us.

“...keep me, as the apple of thy eye.  Protect me under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psalm 16:8, Douay-Rheims)

God's Grace to Grow in Stewardship

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not serving to the eye, as pleasing men, but in simplicity of heart, fearing God.  Whatsoever you do, do it from the heart, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that you shall receive of the Lord the reward of inheritance.  Serve ye the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:22-24, Douay Rheims)

It has been quite sometime since my last piece of journal on this blog.  Many events have happened since then...on my journey.  I still feel sad when I recollect the sudden departure of my good companion and friend...only two weeks ago...but just seem like yesterday.  Sad or not, life for me must still go on...

Coincidently, I have been back working in the corporate world...the very week after my best friend’s funeral.  I still remember my last conversation with him, just the week before...he advised me to give it a shot...get back to employment...as there are still so many lives I am capable of reaching out to and touching.  My friend, I have taken your last words into heart...we are indeed God's gift to the world...our lives are meant to be shared...our light...to brighten where it is dark...

But then, my dear companion never stayed long enough to hear the good news...that I have successfully got the job...on the very day after he passed on.  In fact, the phone call came when I was at the wake at his residence near the coastal waters off the Straits of Malacca...

Sometimes, the happenings in life are such a paradox...emotions of sadness and joy all mixed up...one just does not know what to feel anymore.  What I know is that my journey from this point onwards will miss the cherished companionship of a very dear friend.  Nevertheless, I thank God for bringing him into my life and will always hold his words in my heart...guess this must have been similar of how the twelve disciples must have felt when Jesus suddenly left them at Golgotha...

Me getting a new job and losing a dear friend...at the same moment?  Perhaps the Lord has a hidden message for me...somewhere under the blanket of these events in life.  Perhaps Jesus wants me to bring His Light back into the world...perhaps there are lives I must still reach out and touch...  Perhaps, I must walk the rest of this journey without my good friend...perhaps, my dear friend is called onto another journey somewhere else...perhaps there is more learning for me...perhaps I require more refining...

Whatever it is, I remain the humble instrument of the Lord...  Once we have experienced God’s merciful grace and forgiveness in our lives...surely we are obligated to share and pass this on joyfully and willingly to many others who have yet to experience the same...

For me, two weeks have passed into the corporate world...the landscape of my journey is beginning to change again...yet my mission remains the same...to do my small part, in partnership with God, in making this world a little better; with my strength anchored on God alone.

My time management has gone a bit wacko since then as I re-orientate myself and settle into this new position.  What I have realized these past 2 weeks is that I must be even more disciplined, spiritually, as I pursue my new journey; as a disciple of Christ...amidst the “noise” and “seduction” of this crazy world.

Trying to be simple amidst the “complexities” and “complications” of the competitive entrepreneur world is never easy.  To achieve this spiritual equilibrium, I have fallen back to rely on the basic foundation of prayer and the rosary...coupled with much scriptural and spiritual reading.  This has helped, to a certain extent, to sustain me and maintain a calm “center”...not forgetting the Holy Eucharist which I am so privilege to receive at each Friday noon mass, given that my new place of employment is within walking distance to a cathedral.  Thank God for that!

Don’t get me wrong but I am indeed pleased to be back to work again...I know that my past sabbatical year has helped formed me somehow, to face the competitive business world with much more composure, confidence, spiritual maturity and priority.

Indeed God continues to work in mysterious ways...He has a unique plan for all of us...if we but be obedient to His ways.  Although we are sinners, He loves each one of us all the same.  So, here I am, Lord...is it I, Lord?...I will go, Lord, if you need me!

I just pray that my humble listening to Him, discerning...and obedience in journeying this route through the waves of life...will bring only more glory to His Holy Name.  I pray that He will continue to guide me in all my decisions and actions.  May He increase as I decrease...

“You have seduced me, Yahweh, and I have let myself be seduced...” (Jeremiah 20:7, NJB)

Ultimately, I know that I am “employed” by God and He remains my first “boss”.  As a Catholic Christian, I also know that my work on earth is a spiritual stewardship; not a secular necessity.  What I contribute, in any small way, at my workplace must serve His purposes with the utmost integrity and fit into His entire plan for Creation and the Universe.  I, a mere servant, partner with God through my “sacred” worldly responsibilities to bring life to this “dying” world and humanity.  By the grace and mercy of God, I now have another opportunity to grow in my stewardship at work...placing all my trust in God alone.  Alleluia!

“Otherwise, you might say in your heart, “It is my own power and the strength of my own hand that has got me this wealth.”  Remember then the Lord, your God, for he is the one who gives you the power to get wealth, by fulfilling, as he has now done, the covenant he swore to your ancestors.  But if you do forget the Lord, your God, and go after other gods, serving and bowing down to them, I bear witness to you this day that you will perish utterly.” (Deuteronomy 8:17-19, NAB)

Love the Sinner...Hate the Sin...

“Cum dilectione hominum et odio vitiorum.

With love for mankind and hatred of sins.”

- St Augustine of Hippo, Opera Omnia, Vol. II, Letter 211

 

Today, July 18, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI took some time off to meet the controversial Malaysia Prime Minister Najib at the Castel Gandolfo, following the latter’s eventful London meeting with Queen Elizabeth, who just happened to wear an immaculate “yellow” dress...in a room at Buckingham Palace which also happened to be decorated with “yellow” flowers (coincidently, the signature color of BERSIH)!  Peaceful protestors in London, parts of the world and especially Malaysia continue to voice their demand for a free and clean electoral system – symbolized by the “yellow” BERSIH T-shirts!

Against the backdrop of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, across cosmopolitan Malaysia, pushing for this “leader” to take ownership and resign following the government’s disgraceful handling of the multi racial 709 BERSIH Rally, desperate efforts are being made by the ruling Malaysian government to establish diplomatic ties with the Vatican (coincidently, the flag is also significantly yellow); possibly, a last ditch effort to win back the almost 3 million Christian votes in the country (almost 30% Catholics), whose population approximates 30 million; comprising mainly peace-loving moderate Muslims.

This is just my simple reflection, to be in solidarity with Catholics and Christians in Malaysia, against the surrounding political events that is becoming more intense and dirty...and of course, this audience with the Holy Father.

For pilgrims in Malaysia, it is often difficult to stand up for one’s faith, especially when so many factors are in disagreement and the rest of the world is watching closely.  Even some “leaders” of the Church are experiencing this difficulty as well, given rising religious tension...perceived to be politically motivated.  Nevertheless, it is always necessary to put God and Faith first and perhaps, to pray, reflect and emulate what Jesus would have done under such circumstances.

Whilst the Malaysian government has publicized this visit to the Vatican as being historic, there was almost no mention of this ‘anti-climax’ trip to Rome during last weekend’s Eucharistic celebrations...not shocking at all, given that the Catholic Church has been present in Malaysia for a very, very long time and absolutely no serious efforts have been taken by this Government to establish any formal ties with the Holy See in the past.

Despite this recent visit having borne good fruit in the agreement to establish formal diplomatic ties between Malaysia with the Vatican, the pilgrims in Malaysia and the world over, are not convinced by the sincerity and integrity of this Malaysian Government.  As such, pilgrims in Malaysia continue to cry out to God for freedom, justice and mercy!  Certainly, our God continues to work in mysterious ways...which are way beyond our finite understanding.  We are called to trust in Him.

St Augustine has constantly reminded us to “love the sinner, hate the sin”.  In this case, it would perhaps be challenging for the pilgrims in Malaysia to make much sense out of this phrase, especially after what transpired on Day 709, whereby the people’s peaceful walk to push for a freer and cleaner electoral system was confronted with massive police high handedness and brutality, controlled media reporting, “yellow” crackdown, city lockdown and the Government’s twisting and turning of events ...even to the extent of media “doctoring” of photographs to seemingly portray “violence” by the peaceful citizens.  This is absolutely childish, shameful and disgraceful!  Why should this government be so afraid of a free and clean electoral process???  Obviously, it does not take brilliant intelligence to figure this one out...

How can pilgrims in Malaysia then “love” such a “leader” while simultaneously hating his long list of sins against the land and its people?  It certainly is a massive dilemma for Christians, when the Church teachings have always been centered along the lines of loving your neighbors...your enemies - love always trumping hate.

We know that Jesus is all about LOVE...yet sometimes, there is a feeling of “hate” within us...seeing and experiencing the reality that surrounds us.  As pilgrims, why do we sometimes so easily succumb to the feeling of wanting to “hate”?  Where did this emotion of “hate” come from?  Well, we know that Jesus certainly did not teach us how to “hate”.

Similarly, the quiet and peaceful Mohandas Gandhi, who reads and appreciates Christian literature, shared with his followers, not so long ago, to “love the sinner and not the sin” with regards to their oppressors; the ultimate objective was to starve off more violence.  Pilgrims simply cannot fight violence with hatred...

Similarly, even in the corporate offices, within our own working environment, when we observe our bosses or superiors behaving in an extremely harsh and oppressive manner, we have the tendency to simply begin “hating”...not recognizing that this emotion will cause us to, similarly, lose our compassion, clarity of thought and stop appreciating the basic human dignity in the other person...no matter who they are.

This day forth, let us make it a point to go beyond ourselves and stop “hating” so easily...stop casting stones too freely.  When such feelings attempt to rise from within us, let us simply remember what our Lord Jesus has taught us in the Gospels and be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is quietly prompting us...deep within our being.  We are the Light of Christ that shines...penetrates and heals...not burn...

We know that Jesus came to rescue the single lost sheep, to welcome home the prodigal sinner.  Jesus sat, ate, drank, and even mixed with tax collectors, the lepers and prostitutes! Jesus came for the least, the last and the lost!  As pilgrims, we too endeavor to pursue that same mission in our journey.

Nevertheless, despite all that is said, there is still a fundamental prerequisite to hold “leaders” accountable for their actions or missteps in managing or governing the country, in the name of the people...the very people who voted them into office.  Where there is blatant abuse of power and funds, held in trust, for the people...justice must prevail.  In this instance, justice can only be voiced and heard at free and clean elections.

Would it be highly controversial to offer forgiveness to “leaders” whose governments are perceived by their own citizens as practicing and condoning violence, blatant corruption, religious discrimination, injustice, cronyism, nepotism, media control, criminal offences, widespread abuse of power etc?  Let the Almighty God alone be the Judge of that...this, we must believe and simply trust!

No, being a Christian pilgrim is never easy...what more in countries like Malaysia.  Loving your neighbors and enemies is never easy....standing up for justice, speaking up for the truth, finding courage to exercise voting rights, being prayerful, being in solidarity with people of different faiths...trusting that God will hear the cry of His people...trusting that the Church and the Holy Father will be obedient to the will of the Holy Spirit...that’s what Jesus has personally called each one of us to do. Love the sinner, period.

Leave the rest to God.  He will make all things beautiful in His time.  Judge not, that you not be judge.  As pilgrims, this is the paradox...this is the Cross we all have to carry if we are to obediently follow Jesus Christ...the Way, the Truth and the Light.  In dificult times like these, we simply must trust Him even more...

  

The Long Walk to Freedom...709 Malaysia

 
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31, Douay Rheims)

Pilgrims in Malaysia have just shared that the entire pro-government-editor-controlled mainstream media in Malaysia is expected to carry shocking and bold headlines (lies!) reporting that the BERSIH rally today was a disaster...failing to muster any support from the people (6,000 a local daily claim)...numbers and stories will again be twisted in favor of the fearful ruling government!

What else is shocking in Malaysia...well, certainly not “truly Asia”, as the government tourism brochure will claim...BUT a land where the poor people are simply held as slaves to injustice, conspiracies, fabrication, blatant denials, un-clean electoral system, suppression of religious freedom, other evil you can think of...just to stay in power.

Well, according to our pilgrim friends in Malaysia, the “exodus” has begun...as the people “slaves” take their first brave steps out of “Egypt”...

The “seemingly deaf, dumb and blind, un-mandated” leader of the Government of Malaysia was earlier today forced to cancel his “get-away” from the country and was utterly disgraced when, as reported by alternative internet media sites, thousands (Foreign News Agency Al Jazeera claims 20,000) of brave and disciplined civilians, of various ethnic and religious background, turned up, in solidarity, in pouring rain from the heavens, on July 9, 2011 for the BERSIH rally to push for free, clean and fair elections.

These people turned up because they carried hope...they believed. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, must surely be weeping for Malaysia...even if there was just one “sheep” who dare stand up for what is evil.

BERSIH is an umbrella group representing 62 Non Government Organizations, led by one of the eight women worldwide to receive the US Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage in 2009.  Thumbs up to her for being an obedient instrument of God!

As a woman was instrumental in bringing Jesus Christ into the world and similarly, many great prophets in the Bible...many women today continue to speak up and lead reforms throughout the world for the sake of freedom, equality, justice...ultimately, for life!

The 709 (July 9) March was peacefully aimed at pushing for a “cleansing of the electoral filth in the nation”, but the police, instruments of the powers that be, were deliberate and aggressive...tear gas and chemical-laced water cannons were used extensively to prevent the peaceful walk for fair and clean elections!

Similar BERSIH rallies conducted by Malaysians in many countries all over the world, amongst them in Seoul, South Korea, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Australia, Osaka, Japan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Singapore, London, Paris, Switzerland, Taipei, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ottawa, Canada, went on peacefully, some even congratulated, by the foreign police, for having organized such a peaceful demonstration!

In Malaysia, following pre-rally threats, road blocks and forced city lockdown, the supposedly guardians of the nation- the police, were busy ruthlessly baton-charging, firing tear gas and chemical-laden water cannons all over the city...including, believe it or not, into a Maternity Home...worst of all, amidst the scuffles, causing the death of a civilian!!

Reports indicated that the police have been relentless and oppressive in their efforts to bring down the marchers by sheer force, who are mostly civilians, even to the extent of locking up the public toilets in the city!

During the week before this historic day, the Government of Malaysia seems to have been badly infected with “xanthophobia” (the fear of the color yellow – BERSIH T-shirts)...resulting in the police crackdown on any persons wearing yellow...inciting hatred against the ruling party, they claimed...  It would seem that Malaysia requires police reforms as well...something that is only possible when the government changes hands...through clean and fair elections!

Nevertheless, the memorandum pleading for free, clean and fair elections in Malaysia was not presented to the King at the palace, because many of the pro-BERSIH leaders and social activists were intentionally arrested, including the youngest daughter of an Opposition leader; altogether, more than 1,600 people; men, women, boys and girls!

God is great, His protection was over the people who dared to walk for justice...today, the 709 Rally was a great success as it has awaken the people and raised their political awareness of the need for immediate electoral reforms...more than that, the people were able to witness the shameful display of raw power and “big bully dirty tactics” by the fearful “over-staying” government in their corrupt high handedness to suppress such reforms.

Today, begins a new dawn for Malaysia as the courageous citizens and fellow pilgrims rise, with God to defeat evil, corruption and injustice across the land...restoring the world that God has intended for all His children to live in, that we may love Him even more.

We continue to pray fervently for the pilgrims and the people of Malaysia as they await their new dawn...that God, the merciful, will always protect them and bring about justice, repentance and peace.

As we reflect through this experience of our fellow pilgrims in Malaysia and meditating on the Word of God this coming Bible Sunday, we should come to the realization that each of our journeys is different...each is unique...we need companions...most importantly, we need God...we need to listen to His Word...to know Him...