No Words...Just Stillness...Simply Quiet...

Faith...Simply More Precious Than Gold...

The small forgotten 'two-road' town of Raub is situated in west of Pahang Darul Makmur; between the mountain ranges of Benom and Titiwangsa in Malaysia - about 2 hours drive from the capital of Kuala Lumpur, off the highway, along a 2-lane road, twisting and turning through simple remote villages.  The air here is clean, pure and crisp as a result of its 270-odd meter elevation.

Raub became a famous settlement in the early 20th century for its gold mining resource.


It’s colonial past is still evident in the fine old buildings scattered around the town area.

RAGM or the Raub Australian Gold Mine 1889 (later known as the Australian Gold Mining Co, Ltd in 1892) operated the gold mine in Raub until 1961.


This humble town is one of the oldest town in Pahang and old folk’s tale recounts that in the early days, an old man and his two sons discovered gold every time they scooped up the earth in Raub.

Thus, Raub derived its name from the Bahasa Malaysia word, meaning ‘scoop’.  People found that for every tray of sand there was a handful (raub) of gold.


Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill are both located within the Raub district; only about an hour away from the town. Malaysia’s National Park, the Taman Negara is just slightly more than an hour away.


Being embraced by greenery and hills all round, the main economic activity of Raub would be agriculture – fruits especially, distributed to the bigger towns in Malaysia.  The main crops in Raub are durians, rambutans, limes, mangosteens, duku langsat, passion fruits and bananas.

Most of the buildings in Raub town were built during the pre-World War II era.  The Catholic Church of the Annunciation was established back in 1952.  The Catholic community here are simple, serene and peace-loving.


With the development of new expressways and the closure of gold mines, the sleepy town of Raub is almost forgotten.


Nevertheless, it is still a home for many.  For those who have migrated to dwell in the busy city, Raub remains the root of their being; a place they often return for retreat and renewal.  My connection with this humble abode lies with a relative uncle Paul who will almost have journeyed this earth for 95 rich years and still going spiritually strong, hopefully to a century.  Over the years, this pilgrim has experienced faith being planted, nurtured, groomed, nourished, challenged, bloom and passed on to the younger generations.  Ever so gently, the pilgrim knows that the journey still goes on...until the homecoming...to hold on ever so obediently to the faith as handed down by the earlier generations.


The pace of life in this sleepy town actually reduces one’s distractions from the noises of the world; allowing one to simply contemplate diligently on the Word of God, prayerfully hearing His whispers surrounded by the absolute pureness of His Creation, thus satisfying the heart's longing for God - the restlessness within. 

The spiritual fruits of such a pilgrim's journey constantly reminds us that we are all mere humans, carved on the palms of His Hands, made to simply love Him more and others without exception - each day; with complete submission to the will of God.  Accepting the rule of God means radically changing one's order of values.


The Kingdom of God could never be bought-in without suffering; the latter, when viewed in a totally new way, through the lenses of the Word of God, will not prevent us from enjoying His love.  Riches, power, comfort, good times, pride - gold can hinder one from truly seeking the Kingdom of God.


"In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
(1 Peter 1:6-7, NAB)

Religion...Gives Meaning to Life and Hope...

The international media has been swarmed about happenings and distress in Egypt; political transformation, street protests, curfews, disturbances, evacuations.  According to the CIA World Fact Book, Muslims make up 90 percent of the country’s 80 million people, Copts 9 percent and other Christians 1 percent.  These people will sit-in at Tahrir Square till the tyrannical regime collapses and justice restored.

What is not often reported or highlighted by the media is the fact that during such chaotic times of change, Muslims and Christians are united against the Mubarak regime.  Christians started their Sunday Mass in Cairo’s Tahrir Square as Muslim protesters formed a ring around them to protect them during the service.  On the earlier Friday, more than a million Muslims gathered for Friday Prayer in Tahrir Square with Christians forming a ring around their fellow Muslims to protect them during prayers. 

Tahrir Square continues to be a witness of remarkable scenes of inter-religious solidarity in the struggle for freedom and justice.  Christians and Muslims recited in unison the “Our Father” prayer in Tahrir on Sunday, a day intended to commemorate those killed in pro-democracy protests since January 25, 2011.   Joining hands against the regime of Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian Muslim and Christian protestors shared funeral prayers in Tahrir Square on Sunday, 6 February, for the victims of brutal government security crackdowns on demonstrations.  Such testimony of religious solidarity and faith within such a massive event, amidst the cries for reformation.  The pilgrims of faith have united themselves on this journey.

As we witness this historical event, many people continue to be troubled in conscience when they think about religion, especially about their own religion and the radical response it calls for.  Strange for some, unsettling for others, indifference to the rest. 

"It is a strange God," said Frank Sheed, a writer and theologian, "who could be loved less by being known more".  Religious thinkers have always tried to find an answer, a single word or an explanation, for God's mysterious action in His world.  They have not yet come up with a final answer - and probably never will.  You are searching for belief in a God who makes sense to you - who is what your own idea of God is.

Questions, doubts, difficulties, hopelessness, depression can be means of strengthening your faith and purifying your spiritual life.  In Egypt, we see that however much people may differ from each other in time or place, they do not differ much from each other in their fundamental need to lead a meaningful life and to give expression to what makes their life meaningful.  Their acts of worship may be so different from each other as night and day - whatever the variations, at the core of it all, at the center of their religious sense, there lies the encounter with the Mystery, the Divine.

Religion is a catch-all term embracing the various ways humans have of giving common expression to what they think life's journey is ultimately all about.  "Man", says a noted American anthropologist, "is unlike other animals, for he is a creature who comprehends things he cannot see and believes in things he cannot comprehend."  Religion deals with a dimension beyond scientific grasp; religion responds to the Mystery of the universe.  Religion is about our relationship with the Infinite.

As Christian pilgrims, we have our own unique set of beliefs about religion; a relationship with God.  Others have theirs.  We should not dismiss our neighbor's religions, for they too are attempting to formulate their own awareness of God as they have come to know Him.  From their different approach, we, too, can humbly learn to see God from a different angle and perhaps, just perhaps, like the people in Egypt, add to our own knowledge of God.  From our tradition too, likewise, we must help others learn.


Whichever spiritual attitude you choose, the world will be at least a little different because of your choice.

"Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.  Because of it the ancients were well attested.  By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible."

(Hebrews 11: 1-3, NAB)

Dawn of A New Spring...The Year of the Rabbit...

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, February 3, 2011 is the new Lunar Year of the Rabbit.  It is the Xin-Mao New Year. 

Xin (Metal) is the eighth of the ten celestial stems and Mao (Rabbit) is the fourth of the twelve terrestrial branches and marks the year of the Rabbit or Hare.  The New Year celebrations will last for 15 days.

As we countdown to the arrival of this new lunar spring, it is also an appropriate time for us to pause and reflect on our journey.  The rabbit is a symbol of peace - it is also tranquil, serene, humble, quiet and simple. 

What else can we learn from rabbits?  They are alert (as in conscious) and cautious (better known as timid); traits we can emulate as we journey through life with a deeper sense of awareness or sensitivity of God's presence and humble in responding to His radical callings.


According to Chinese beliefs, Rabbits are more often than not, uncomplicated (simple), attractive, talented and ambitious. 

They are comfortable with their characteristics and leaves the leadership to someone else (God, perhaps?). 

The Rabbit is also characterized as being happy and satisfied (contented).

The rabbit is similarly, a symbol of the great Christian feast of Easter, Jesus' resurrection.  Rabbits symbolises fertility - new life!


May this new year encourages all of us to be even calmer and more serene as we continue this pilgrimage through new life in the Spirit of the Risen Christ! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Real Thing...The Same Yesterday, Today and Forever...

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, NAB)



These were the very tender words entrusted to me by a Sister from the order of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), one afternoon, some 31 years ago.  A few weeks after that, she passed away in a sudden and tragic evening car accident, down a ravine. 


These words have lived on and remained with me, these words I have cherished and carried as a motto in my heart through the ups and downs of my life.  Although I have changed in many ways – physically, emotionally and spiritually – I know that Jesus does not change; He is the real thing.  

Always fix your eyes on Jesus.  According to Ephesians 2:19-20 Jesus is the chief corner stone of God's household!


“Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners; but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone”

However, be warned...
 "See to it that no one captivates you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8, NAB)

"Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours."
(2 Thessalonians 2:15)


In her short journey, Sister Gabrielle Loo, FMM has simply entrusted me with this priceless gift, the gift of a very good friend …someone who is eternally faithful – a friend who will never ever abandon me.  This friend is Jesus Christ…the same yesterday, today and forever. 

True to her name, Sister Gabrielle, for me, will always be someone who draws her immense strength from God; she has proven in many ways to be a heroine for God.  She has touched my life and has been an important spiritual inspiration to me.  May her soul forever rest in peace and eternal light perpetually shine upon her.

Studium Meum Veritas...Strive for Truth

“Studium Meum Veritas”, a simple but meaningful Latin motto appearing under the banner of the traditionally (April 1950) well-acclaimed, St Thomas School, run by Catholic missionaries. 

It roughly translates to ‘Strive for Truth’ or ‘Pursuit for Truth’ – forming the foundation stone on which all knowledge is pursued.  At the end of the day, when truth prevails in life’s journey, our efforts are similarly worthwhile and crowned.

Today, what used to be a well-run mission school, by the Marist Brothers and Brothers of St Gabriel, has been sadly reduced by the selfish exploits of a politically motivated education 'system'.  Gone were the dedicated teachers, friendly, humorous, hardworking and with the highest of integrity and sportsmanship - our early companions on the journey.


In the first century AD, Pontius Pilate (John 18:38) asked “What is truth?” but no answer was forthcoming…or perhaps he did not wait long enough?  Perhaps, truth must be subdued as a sacrifice for worldly popularity.


Truth is one of the many central subjects in philosophy. Truth has been a topic of discussion in its own right for thousands of years. A huge variety of issues in philosophy relates to truth, either by relying on theses about truth, or implying theses about truth.


Truth is never easy to define, whilst to some, it is an absolute that gives one freedom, to the rest it might just be a matter of perception.  Not being known does not stop the truth from being true; the truth can never be false.  Nevertheless, in these days and age, truth is simply scarce.  Putting it another way, in this modern age, the supply of truth is in excess of demand.  As beautiful and justified truth is, lies can also be equally attractive but the latter, being the easier way, will lead us down.


A Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, once said that, “the words of truth are always paradoxical”.

Mohandas Gandhi further echoes that “all the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth. …God is, even though the whole world denies him. Truth stands, even if there be no public support.  It is self-sustained.”



“Listen, little poor ones called by the Lord,
who have come together from many parts and provinces:
Live always in truth,
that you may die in obedience…”
- St Francis of Assisi


For me and many other old Thomasians, I am certain, "Studium Meum Veritas" will continue to echo in our being, coloring life's journey, redefining every step, making it more worthwhile, living more sincerely, giving strength to overcome any obstacles that threaten to compromise truth and most of all, becoming aware that, no matter rich or poor, life must always be lived in a truthful relationship with God because that seed of truth, was planted in our heart not so long ago.  The seed of Truth will overcome all forms of evil we encounter on this journey towards eternity.  Cheers for St Thomas!

“…the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it…you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.”

(John 14:17, NAB)

"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.  Let the truth be your delight...proclaim it..."
- St Catherine of Siena

A Simple Reflection...

"A camel needs but a small amount of food.  It saves it until it comes to a stable, where it regurgitates it and chews it until it seeps into its flesh and bones.  A horse, on the other hand, needs a lot of food.  It eats constantly and immediately loses what it has eaten.  Therefore, let us not be like a horse, constantly reciting the Word of God yet without embodying it.  Let us follow the example of the camel, retaining every word of Holy Scripture we recite, until we have embodied it."

- Saint Anthony

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.  To one without faith, no explanation is possible."

- St. Thomas Aquinas