Mary and Saints.
Joshua asked me why Catholics pray through Mother Mary to God?
why do we pray to the Saints and believe in Blessed Virgin's divine intervention?
i have never really questioned it and took it as was given.
so... i decided to ask around for answers and here goes.... =)
Isaac's explanation: we acknowledge the importance of the rest of the people who made an impact on our religion. like.. Mary's the Mother of Jesus. she is known for her faithfulness and obedience to God's wishes. she gave up her son to the Pharisees. how many mothers can sacrifice their son for matrydom? it's an expression of unselfish love.
Charlene's explanation: We have to first understand that she holds a special position because she's the Mother of God and is born without sin. She's also the only other human besides Jesus to have not sinned at all - a special grace given by God prob coz He'll choose the best for the mother of His son right! When we say we pray to Mary, it's not like we're asking her to grant us things (eg. Mary pls grant my family good health). It's more like we're asking her to pray for us and intercede for us. (eg. Mary I ask you for your prayers that my family may have good health) It's like asking our friends to pray for us when we're in trouble, in need a whatever. Mary is simply another source that we can turn to. The more prayers that go up to God, the better!
As for the Saints, the Church has given them a higher position based on the good works they have done and exemplary lives that they led when they were alive. In a sense, they are role models for us and in the same way that we ask Mary for prayers, we ask them to intercede for us as well. The Saints that we commonly hear of are like the better known, the canonised saints. But the Church also acknowledges that there would have been people who have led good lives just that they were not publicised like for eg that of Mother Teresa or St Francis that kind of thing. So all of us have a chance to be saints after death...just big ones or little ones!
even today, when sons want to enter priesthood, i see alot of mothers objecting.coz that means they'll not get married and have kids, or work and be rich financially.but what can be more rewarding that serving our Lord Jesus and leading his flock?do you think that theological differences can lead people to breaking up their relationship?maybe. i have seen many cases. different interpretations of the Bible, Christianity and worship.but did it happen due to mainly personality differences, stubborness, and throwing God off-focus in the relationship from the very beginning? if God was the focus, the relationship would be epitomized by unselfish giving, forgiving of faults, and gracious love.sounds easy to say but difficult to practice. how many of us are willing to forsake our personal demands on the other half? how many of us are willing to put down pride and be understanding?i don't know. i have yet to find out. for one thing i am glad. they are my dearest family and the close friends i have been blessed with. my family has came to accept Christ and Catholicism, as long as i don't become too... zealous?it's been a struggle of 6 years. it's so small as compared to John Paul II's struggle to free the world from Communism and fighting peacefully for religious freedom and unity.but... the persecution and trials thrown were worthwhile for the sweet fruits i now enjoy.also, Jared's girlfriend wants to join us for Mass. that's so great!least now he and his girlfriend can come to Church together and grow in spirituality.i didn't know she has seen my photos before too. and he's told her stuff about me and us.i can't wait to meet her! if Jared loves her so much, i'm sure she's special =)c'mon, you're alwiz my brother and i love you! as long as you are loved and happy, i am happy!many thanks to Auntie Susan, Ian, Isaac, Charlene, Don, Gabriel, Andy, Qiao, Eunice as well for guiding me.had a Sociological Research Methodology paper at 2.30pm.hope i worked out my statistics correctly... this is a very important paper. i'm so worried.determines whether i get to do Stats in my year 3... Vincent wasn't there today... =(well, Irving jus told me a sad news today. Vincent's got a PhD scholarship. yes. he's going to Canada this July.stats class won't be the same without him... but i am happy that his diligence has paid off. may God bless him wherever he is, and keep him safe from harm and temptations. i hope i can be like them... both Irving and Vincent.produce rigorous and well-articluated essays on social phenomenons.engage in anthropological studies. run the stats for evidences. however, i won't be getting my 2nd upper class honours... sigh
all eyes on him
this is my dream life partner. i was given a glimpse of perfection.
i thank God for this opportunity. he is my sociological research methodologies teaching assistant.
he is a devout Christian, well learnt in the Bible. he is patient and humble despite his accomplishments. he has completed his Masters and is going on to Canada for PhD on a scholarship. his diligence and dedication towards sociology academic scholarships has re-inspired me. he is a perfect model to learn from. as a life partner, i can't ask for more.
perservere through the trials, challenge yourself in all aspects to attain greater heights.
yet faithfully doing God's work and growing in fellowship.
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today the world will witness the installation of a new Pope - Benedict XVI.
for those we do not know what is the difference between a Pope, a Cardinal and a Bishop.
here's a little enlightenment:
any baptized Catholic male can be a Pope if he is ever elected by the College of Cardinals.
the College of Cardinals are made up of 120 Cardinals from around the word.
no one is ever ordained as a cardinal or Pope. they are only installed for service.
the hightest rank of ordainment is a Bishop.
thus, the Pope is just a Bishop of Rome.
however, he holds the highest office within the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy.
for those interested in the hierarchical structure of the Church and in particular the Episcopate.
please feel free to attend this month's Vatican II reflections Lumen Gentium.
28th April 8pm at Holy Trinity Church.
for those interested in the Catholic faith,
please feel free to attend ALIVE! 2005. An Easter Encounter.
2 May 7-9pm at the Holy Family Church, Katong. all Catholics and non-Catholics are welcome!
what's up lately?
equation of my life yesterday:
lack of zzz from previous nite + 9am paper + 1pm paper + go Orch for meal
= 14hrs zzz since 6pm. sorry for not answering sms or phone calls. i was really exhausted.
no, i am not gonna lament about the shitty exams considering its the nth number of exams taken. for some divine enlightenment regarding theory of exams and optimist muggerism, read www.boonlerk.blogspot.com. The Penile Monologue does offer concrete advice.
have you ever had your mind blown away by someone in a matter of minutes?
i just had that experience. and i have not ever met him before.
was reading today's Life! section last page on the Belgian celebrity chef Herwig Van Hove.
he can whip up a 3 course dinner in 16 minutes.
he's a trained civil engineer, doctorate in physical chemistry, published more than 25 scientific contributions... and... he is also a wine columnist for 20 years apart from writing cook books.
i was highly impressed by his enigmatic intellect.
an extraction:
if you could invite just about anyone to dinner, who would it be?
"Famous cellist Miroslav Rostropovitch so that he can play The Bach Suites for Cello Solo.
the Bach Suites represent the most spectacular and universal language that speaks directly to the mind. it doesn't have words but is the ultimate form of communication."
i find an intellecutual man sexy. despite his age of 66, his enigmatic attractiveness stems from his academic contributions, his culinary successes, his love and understanding of music...
it is a life that's carved with passion and rigour. he understands that men should spend more time reconcilling with his wife than preparing food for beg forgiveness.
maybe because experiences and understanding of life only comes with age.
i have yet to meet a man who can blow my mind away till now.
a life without passion isn't a life worth living for everyday is just another day.
i fervently refuse to be bogged down by mundane worries of existence.
exams ain't anything to worry about. reap the sweet fruits of conscientious revision.
i admire those those who are able to manage their time so well that they have to time to blade, run marathons, swim competitively, dance and burn the floor... yet they are also students.
nothing's impossible. only if you will it to be.
sea urchins and foie gras
had a really unique dinner tonite.
was at Kuriya Fine Japeanese Dining at Great World City.
Josh had a nice grilled rib eye steak done the Japanese yakitori way.
well... on the other hand, never make me order food.
they'll probably taste... unique but not nice.
had foie gras with kyoto potatoes.. done tempura style.
ermm... the texture is crumbly and pasty...
very rich yet kinda fluffy on the tongue.
but somehow delicate in taste too. can't have too much of it.
now i do know why it's a delicacy. but won't wanna have it again...
then also had a ball of grated lotus root fried-simmered ball... yucks.
bought a sea urchin sushi take-away.
cost $7 a piece. Grandma's been going on about how much she wanna eat sea urchin
so i finally got them
well..... they suck. really another acquired taste...
they look okay... but they taste like raw egg yolks!!! eeewwww.....
eaten with mulberry leaves just makes the whole experience a whole lot more disgusting.
i feel like puking right now...=(
another terrible fine dining outing (how ironic)
but the company was superb.
i love you.
Kuriya 'Fine' dining
fine dining doesn't neccessitate it to be delicious or palatable..
Uni sushi
alwiz thought they were delicious when i watched Japan Hour. errmm... in actuality, it taste like... raw egg yolks. guys may find it a wet soft slimy turn-on though...
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grilled Foie Gras
Foie Gras the the top left piece of grilled thingy. the red sauce is some raspberry sauce to perk up the rich goose liver taste. one delicate gourmet french delicacy. bon appetit!
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origin of Foie Gras
ever wondered where Foie Gras came from? that's a goose being force-fed till its liver swells and ruptures...
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Mensa Clique pig!
did i say how much i love this nutty bunch? from the left: cheesecake aka Michele, Baby Blue Rabbit aka Priscila, Shen Chu Gui Mo aka Choon, Kitty aka Veen, Hay-Bee (dried shrimp) aka Elaine, and... Monkey aka Muck! Mensa Clique rules the world!!!
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TH hostelites!
haha! here's kitty, polar bear Qiao and ermm.. Johnny. but Johnny got no animal name.. =p
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old dogs can't learn new tricks...
this is MY doggie! he's fat old smelly and dumb. but all so lovable all the same! poochoo!
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the love of my family
this's at my current house. yah, he looks like a fluffy teddybear. with a fiery temper to boot. you won't wanna be close to him when he growls..
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bite ur ass!
that's my late dog. yep, the much talked about furry mongrel. he's a cross breed between german shepherd and sausage dog i think..
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ice cream...
well, i know you're down baby.
but i do hope you pick yourself up after the grief.
rise against the winds of adversity.
find someone who's worthy of your love and is able to put herself in your shoes.
thanks for picking up the broken pieces in the past and showering me with sunshine.
just want you to know that i'll be here to walk with you...
the exams are round the corner.
despite the exhaustion, the revision must go on.
i'll be duly rewarded and released from my misery i believe.
ah. and i need a job badly after my exams before i get deported outta Spore.
that's a nightmare in itself... =/ 5 hrs flight to a faraway land for 2 months...
no Zouk, no friends, no Sunset Bay... no life. work work work...
one thing really amuses me.
i had a bad craving for cookies-and-cream ice cream last week.
the thing is this: my boyfriend doesn't want to go have ice cream with me at City Hall.
coz he feels that it's so far and he doesn't wanna waste that time.
and... this is the part i'm really pissed about! he didn't even OFFER to go with me!!!
on the other hand, friends like Don who got to know that i wanna have ice cream offered to accompany me for ice cream. isn't it so amusing?! wow!
did i mention that i really dislike Terri Hatcher?
she SUCKS. bah. so extra!!!
i can't stand her face and her all-lousy acting. bleah!!!
but i DO LOVE Desperate Housewives! it's so bitchy! heehee...
all the dirty laundry, the suspense and the bitching. it's a woman's world!
i want my Peugeot 307 CC!
itchy scratchy
i think it's the Singaporean weather! industrialized air pollutants and forest fires.
people should really start loving and being responsible for the Earth!
soon this Earth would jus burn into a ball of ashes... coz no one bothers...
i'm itching all over, with little red spots popping out on my skin.
i'm scratching my neck like a monkey! (pardon me for such crude imagery)
i even had this sudden thought to cut off my hair! grrrr...
maybe it's time i should go out in long sleeves. that'll beat the damn strong sunlight anyway.
and apply sunblock all over my exposed skin area!
no no no...!!! it's been already 3 people who said the following statement to me :
"VEEN, HOW COME U SO DARK LATELY?"
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. THIS IS COMING TO A STOP. i don't care how. hahah.
hahah! finally finished that damn art portfolio. quick congratulate me!!!
just need to do some editing. finally get get some peaceful sleep...
yes, due to my strong sense of responsibility, i cannot fall asleep when i am under work stress.
insomnia sets in and i'll continue to work at my work till 4.30am. it sucks not to sleep.
yes, i can draw more than bai-thet pattiyan. i can draw kranok sam-tua too!
another day then show you guys my art work =) hope Irving grades me well. heh.
yes, finally can get to club tmrw nite!!! woohoo!!! Velvet here i come!
i miss the light, the progressive trance music, the beautiful crowd and the intoxicating poison!!!
Michele... why do u call us fruit cake? the only cake here is you! a cheesecake!
we are just a nutty bunch. ermm.. okay. maybe coz fruit cake have nuts lah... =p
spoilt soNy
hahah! finally at my last stats tutorial for the sem =)
my laptop's down again.. so frustrating!
moreover i've developed emotional bonding w my lappie.. *sulk*
it's so inconvenient to work without a stable lappie.
hee.. so here i am blogging in my stats class. brilliant!
so Muck's Megane was kissed by some other Nissan on its butt-butt.
lesson learnt: buy continental cars. Chervolet not counted.
my car of the day: Peugeot 407. absolutely kitty-car!
but i can't drive... ermm.. i haven't gotten my license.. =p
eternal procrastination *grin*
oh yes.. Grandma asking me to join Raleigh International!
do voluntary work for 3-4wks overseas in some isolated inporvished area. ouch...
however she offered to sponsor me if i ever shld renounce my cushy comfy life. bah.
i'll think about it. maybe it's time to really get my fat ass of my couch.
must be a conspiracy with my parents to kick me out of my basket!!!
3 more weeks to exams! hit the books baby!
but i haven't even started on my SEA Art portfolio.. shitty poo!
SC 2101 is another stumbling block to my reasonable CAP score. wtf.
but i will try my best. most importantly is to grasp the logic behind it all ( i think)
RCIA starts in mid May. it's held every Sunday evening at OLPS.
including Mass, it's 6-9pm.
that means i can't attend Church with Jared at Good Shepherd or have dinner with him.
think i have to let him know soon, maybe ask him to come to OLPS. heh.
but with my faith i have in Jared, i know that he'll understand. hugs baby!
John Paul II
Our Holy Father John Paul II (1920 - 2005) has called home to Our Lord last nite.
i hope that he had a peaceful and joyful death in the Vatican.
everyone of us is jus a pilgrim on this Earth, helping build God's kingdom on Earth.
Jerusalem only exist in heaven, a kingdom of God.
John Paull II is the first non-Italian Pope in the last 500 years.
he was an ex-actor, a Polish poet and a man who fought for freedom against the Communist regime. he was a leader who worked towards the unity of various religions and world peace.
he believed deeply in the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
for both Catholics and non-Catholics, he have touched their lives deeply by working through man and humanity. i hope that the nex elected Pope will continue the legacy of John Paul II.
attended Mass this morning. Fr. Timothy told us not to grieve but to rejoice in the Pope's death.
the former Pontiff was old and sick, he has given his life to doing God's work so we should let him go instead of praying for miraculous healings. definitely, we will feel sad.
anyway, there's a memorial Mass at 8pm in honour of the Pope held at all Catholic churches tmrw Monday. however there's no news of when the actual funeral will be held.
last nite was great fun! celebrated Muck's birthday!
we had dinner at Moonfish and cake at Bakerzin. hee.
Moonfish's service was really s-l-o-w but the food was good! elaine finally learnt to eat olives!
choon and i had seafood pasta. yummy! by the time we ended, we were really full...
really had to kinda stuff the cake and wash it down with tea.
then we made Muck use his tongue to pick up 21 cubes of jelly candies from a box of flour.
hah! that was fun! that boy was so game to play it and ended up having dough cloying on his tongue. it was a wonderful nite. we had a hard time trying to recall all the presents we have gave each other over the 3-4 years. hee. it's been a long road we have travelled together.
thank you for being there alwiz! i love the 5 of you!
hmmm.. Muck and Mich said that i've been increasingly religious in my blogs.
well... i think it's a good thing right? or it's irritating my dear readers?
as i grow up and go through bad experiences and testing dilemmas...
i have came to appreciate and love Christ my King; and looked towards him for guidance.
as reiterated above, this life is a pilgrimage. ash to ash, dust to dust.
every material possession is temporal.
what is eternal is the work we have contributed towards God's Kingdom.
charity work, voluntary work, catechism work... practicing what we preach.
future laksa
the Pope's health is in grave condition.
he had a fever last nite due to urinary infection. he wants to remain in his apartment in the Vatican.
may we pray for his health, that he will get better soon.
may our Lord bless him with grace and deliverance.
though the Pope has received his last rites, we hold hopes that his condition would improve.
though i have never seen the Pope in person, nor been fervently religious.
the Pope is a familiar face to me over the mass media broadcasting papal masses during Easter and Christmas. every week the Catholic newspaper would also feature articles about him.
i have never imagined how Catholicism would be like without John Paul II...
i feel saddened knowing that he will be gone... but he is going to a better place.
he will be called home to God and enjoy his sweet fruits of eternal life and happiness.
may our new elected Pope be wise and peaceful, may he work towards the unity of the diversified world and bring both Christians and non-Christians into harmonious understanding. may he work towards anti-war and anti-abortion and anti-gay campaigns and be well travelled. may he guide the global Catholic community into greater faith.
jus bought a Bible today from Katong Catholic bookshop.
wow. cost me $73. New International Version study bible. josh said it was an okay-level bible.
jus realized that i know very little about Catholic rites and rituals...
i do not know why we have to attend Mass on the first Friday of the month to worship the Sacred Heart. but i do know that all prayers to the sacred heart would be answered.
i do not know why Catholics have to make the sign of the cross whenever they seek blessings.
i do not know why Catholics have to confess their sins to the priests... etc etc etc.
that's why i need to do my RCIA.
and learning about Catholicism doesn't jus stop here.
like Gabriel used to say "we have this whole lifetime to study God and His words and believe me, when we die, our knowledge would still be incomplete".
well... the truth is i have only been 6 years of Catholic. i am a convert. i chose to become a Catholic. i was born a Methodist. in and between these 6 years, there's been times when i was not allowed to attend Mass due to objections from my father, there's been times i've been to busy with school to attend Mass and there's been times when i lost faith in my religion. though i was born Methodist due to my father's family, my father is not a believer of Christ. he despises Christianity, branding them as hypocrites. my mother is a Buddhist who says that all religions come to the the same Almighty being and all religions teach people to be good people. my grandma is fine with me being a Catholic.
it was in 1998 when i converted to Catholicism. largely it was due to my tutor's wife. coz i stayed with them 6 days a week for maths tuition. their house is like my 2nd home, they baby-sit me while my Dad is at work. i follow his wife to church on sunday mornings. i attend Mass with her and i get to read religious books. i witnessed and experienced the kind gracious and gentle way she treats people around her. i was motivated. at the same time, my Christian friends were rather pushy with trying to rope me into cell groups at City Harvest and Lighthouse. some introduced me to The Rock. but after all, these are charismatic churches and they didn't appeal to me. even when i didn't attend their service, i could already experience the politics within. it wasn't something i was looking for in a religion. i was seeking God.
there were times i lost faith in God and didn't attend church.
there were times i really doubted his existence.
but as my priest alwiz say "Christ is always with us. regardless of religion, people who do good deeds and help those poor and needy are all Christlike in their ways. Christ do not only belong to Christians but Christ is God. God is love. and human is made to be Christlike. that's why we love. those on the other hand who hurt and harm people, who cheat and commit adultery etc are manifestations of the demon".
for now, i only pray for the Pope to get better soon. no matter what, we will remember him and thank him for the faithful work he has done for his churches throughout the world.
wanted to go Phuture tonite but the news of the Pope's condition really hit home.
had laksa earlier on this evening with Josh at Katong. ouch. my stomach hurts.
been having the watery runs for the past 3 hrs.
i'm not going to eat nasi lemak or laksa or anything with coconut milk already...
jus hope i will be feeling better tmrw so can go celebrate Muck's birthday!
