Everlasting light- the journey!

Sunday night, I went the Canadian Martyers Parish with Fr Domenic Qin for a "Music Show"-Enverlasting Light- the journey! In Christmas season, a group of people has got a good trip by the Angel, and they reached each of the places by the Angle, who presented them with a candle. Absolutely, I was enjoying by it.

The PROLOGUE: A Christmas tour at a certain airport to transfer, and they were anxiously patiently waiting in the airport for the flight 939, and they were hoping to check-in early, but an anouncement came out and said their flight is canceled. So, all the group was immeresed in the sound of frustration and dissatisfaction. At this moment, An angel appeared to tell them that Christmas will not be canceled! Fianlly, they took a detour offered by the angel to find their way back home and they just found four candles on the trip. The whole Show is divided into 4 parts which in different places or countries, and in each place there were some affecting things, also the Angel always stringed along with them.

The first stop in CHINA: During the discussion about the places where they'll go, the people have been seeing the fantastic sights and sounds of the orient, there, a simple orphanage filled with chidren, but the children are happy, nobody gets sour and sulky (chinese show). While pondering this view, the travelers got another visit from  the angel, who presented them with a candle.

The second stop in PHILIPPINES: with the Philipino festival dancing began the second stop, but the people noticed the suffering and poverty in the country after the Taifeng as well. So, How did these people find hope and joy?  In front of this view, but still many kind people just have done with what they had, food, money, some stuffs with generosity. Then, the travelers saw what they should do, they received the second candle.

The third stop on STREETS: at this stop, the travelers found themselves in a dark city alley, where an unlikely character told them her history of abuse and condition. With a little help from the angel, they realized it's not just food or material things that fill the person... but the "extra"or "spiritual" stuff. Here, they found their third candle, too.

Final Stop in NORTH AMERICA: in this part, a desperate amn hoping to rob a bank. But something goes wrong! (happened an accident). Would the travelers be able to go home if one of them needs to be left behind? They just were praying to God and hoping some miracle.... Finally, they made the fourth candle, and they all made it back home, and Christmas is a go!

The candles made more meaningful durning the long journey to back home, also reminded the people to prepare the way (with hope, joy, acts of compassion and prayer) for the coming of Jesus Christ!

God help the outcasts http://chrispod55.podomatic.com/enclosure/2006-12-01T17_52_38-08_00.mp3

Here my prayer http://www.yahwehsword.org/music/Hear_my_Prayer.mp3

When you believe http://yingyu.fsjy.net/EduResource/yingyu/Upload/when%20you%20believe.mp3

Everlasting light

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

8 Dicember, Feast of the Immaculate Conception
A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century. It came to the West in the eighth century. In the eleventh century it received its present name, the Immaculate Conception. In the eighteenth century it became a feast of the universal Church.

In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”

It took a long time for this doctrine to develop. While many Fathers and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at her conception or throughout her life. This is one of the Church teachings that arose more from the piety of the faithful than from the insights of brilliant theologians. Even such champions of Mary as Bernard and Thomas Aquinas could not see theological justification for this teaching.

Two Franciscans, William of Ware and Blessed John Duns Scotus, helped develop the theology. They point out that Mary’s Immaculate Conception enhances Jesus’ redemptive work. Other members of the human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus’ work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset.

Comment:

In Luke 1:28 the angel Gabriel, speaking on God’s behalf, addresses Mary as “full of grace” (or “highly favored”). In that context this phrase means that Mary is receiving all the special divine help necessary for the task ahead. However, the Church grows in understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit led the Church, especially non-theologians, to the insight that Mary had to be the most perfect work of God next to the Incarnation. Or rather, Mary’s intimate association with the Incarnation called for the special involvement of God in Mary’s whole life. The logic of piety helped God’s people to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. Moreover, this great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done in Jesus. Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God.

Quote:

"[Mary] gave to the world the Life that renews all things, and she was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role.

"It is no wonder, then, that the usage prevailed among the holy Fathers whereby they called the mother of God entirely holy and free from all stain of sin, fashioned by the Holy Spirit into a kind of new substance and new creature. Adorned from the first instant of her conception with the splendors of an entirely unique holiness, the Virgin of Nazareth is, on God’s command, greeted by an angel messenger as ‘full of grace’ (cf. Luke 1:28). To the heavenly messenger she replies: ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word’ (Luke 1:38)” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 56).

2nd Sunday of Advent

Baruch 5:1-9. The prophet consoles the Jewish exiles and tells them that God will restore glory to Israel.

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11. We are urged to a greater love of each other so that we may be ready for Christ’s coming.

Luke 3:1-6. John the Baptist demands strict preparation for the Lord’s coming.

Points for Reflection -From Fr Carlo Tei

1. On the second Sunday of Advent, the Church invites us:

a) to wait for the coming of Christ in joy (1st Reading),

b) to prepare ourselves for his encounter by leading a blameless life (2nd Reading),

c) to heed the command of John the Baptist to convert and show repentance (Gospel).

2. Jerusalem, the holy city, is urged to abandon sorrow and distress and put on the “beauty of the glory of the Lord” and to arise and observe the flow of the Jewish people coming from the four corners of the globe. (First Reading).

Jerusalem is the image of the Church. She, too, suffers on account of the estrangement and dispersal of so many of her children and she, too, is invited to rekindle her hopes, confiding in the Saviour, who mystically comes again each Christmas to lead her to salvation with all her people.

3. In the Second Reading, St Paul expresses his joy and happiness at the news that the Gospel has been preached and is flourishing among the Philippians, and he is grateful for their help and collaboration. However, St Paul challenges the Philippians to be “pure and blameless” and to reach perfection “for the day of Christ”.

The same challenge is addressed to us today. “To lead a pure and blameless life” is synonymous with holiness, which is not a prerogative of the elite but the responsibility of every Christian. As Vatican Council II says: Everyone in the Church, whether “belonging to the hierarchy or being cared for by it, is called to holiness . . . The Lord Jesus preached holiness of life to each and every one of his disciples, regardless of their situation” (LG 39-40).

4. In the Gospel, Luke attaches a very great importance on the preaching of John the Baptist in the desert. As a good historian, he gives us the historical background by fixing the time when John appeared. “When Pontius Pilate . . . etc.” According to Luke, the preaching of John is a turning point in the plan of salvation.

The liturgy joins Luke and wants us to meet John before meeting Christ. It wants us to listen to John in order to make all the necessary preparations for the coming of the Redeemer. All of the preaching of John is focused on repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The Church repeats to each one of us today: “Repent and change”. Could we have a better programme for the Advent Season?

《草原风韵》二胡独奏

《草原风韵》二胡独奏

St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) -Patron of Mission

Jesus asked, “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matthew 16:26a). The words were repeated to a young teacher of philosophy who had a highly promising career in academics, with success and a life of prestige and honor before him.

Francis Xavier, 24 at the time, and living and teaching in Paris, did not heed these words at once. They came from a good friend, Ignatius of Loyola, whose tireless persuasion finally won the young man to Christ. Francis then made the spiritual exercises under the direction of Ignatius, and in 1534 joined his little community (the infant Society of Jesus). Together at Montmartre they vowed poverty, chastity and apostolic service according to the directions of the pope.

From Venice, where he was ordained priest in 1537, Francis Xavier went on to Lisbon and from there sailed to the East Indies, landing at Goa, on the west coast of India. For the next 10 years he labored to bring the faith to such widely scattered peoples as the Hindus, the Malayans and the Japanese. He spent much of that time in India, and served as provincial of the newly established Jesuit province of India.

Wherever he went, he lived with the poorest people, sharing their food and rough accommodations. He spent countless hours ministering to the sick and the poor, particularly to lepers. Very often he had no time to sleep or even to say his breviary but, as we know from his letters, he was filled always with joy.

Francis went through the islands of Malaysia, then up to Japan. He learned enough Japanese to preach to simple folk, to instruct and to baptize, and to establish missions for those who were to follow him. From Japan he had dreams of going to China, but this plan was never realized. Before reaching the mainland he died. His remains are enshrined in the Church of Good Jesus in Goa.

Comment:

All of us are called to “go and preach to all nations” (see Matthew 28:19). Our preaching is not necessarily on distant shores but to our families, our children, our husband or wife, our coworkers. And we are called to preach not with words, but by our everyday lives. Only by sacrifice, the giving up of all selfish gain, could Francis Xavier be free to bear the Good News to the world. Sacrifice is leaving yourself behind at times for a greater good, the good of prayer, the good of helping someone in need, the good of just listening to another. The greatest gift we have is our time. Francis gave his to others.

Feast of St. Andrew

Andrew was St. Peter’s brother, and was called with him. "As [Jesus] was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is now called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him" (Matthew 4:18-20).

John the Evangelist presents Andrew as a disciple of John the Baptist. When Jesus walked by one day, John said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus. "Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see.’ So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day" (John 1:38-39a).

Little else is said about Andrew in the Gospels. Before the multiplication of the loaves, it was Andrew who spoke up about the boy who had the barley loaves and fishes (see John 6:8-9). When the Gentiles went to see Jesus, they came to Philip, but Philip then had recourse to Andrew (see John 12:20-22).

Legend has it that Andrew preached the Good News in what is now modern Greece and Turkey and was crucified at Patras.

Comment:

As in the case of all the apostles except Peter and John, the Gospels give us little about the holiness of Andrew. He was an apostle. That is enough. He was called personally by Jesus to proclaim the Good News, to heal with Jesus' power and to share his life and death. Holiness today is no different. It is a gift that includes a call to be concerned about the Kingdom, an outgoing attitude that wants nothing more than to share the riches of Christ with all people.

Quote:

"...[T] he Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, 'It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word' " (Acts 6:2-4). (from AmericanCatholic)

The first Sunday of Advent C

First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16. God has promised that he will rise up a descendant of David to save his people. Jeremiah reminds them that the time is near.

Second reading: Thessalonians 3: 12-4: 2. Paul reminds us that only holiness based on brotherly love can make us ready for Christ when he comes.

Gospel: Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36. Christ will come again with power, to bring our liberation. We should not be afraid, but stay awake, watching and praying.

Points for Reflection--From Fr Carlo Tei

1. The first part of the Advent Season is meant to remind us, disciples of Christ, that, while we are journeying on earth living the Gospel of salvation and announcing it to all men, we must always be watchful, looking to the glorious final coming of Jesus Christ our Lord. That event will mark the completion of the work of salvation centered upon him.

2. What is the proper attitude of those who believe in Christ towards this event? We are invited by the Word of God to play an active role in the world during our earthly pilgrimage, because even in the work of the new creation we are treated by God as human beings, that is: as the only creatures who, in everything, are invited to co-operate freely and willingly with him and his plan.

• First of all, we are invited to be filled with hope. Our faith tells us that Jesus has already begun the new creation. God the Father was and is standing by Jesus and, therefore, we are sure that Jesus is going to accomplish what he has already started: he is going to establish the Kingdom of love, to gather mankind into one family, he is going to destroy all barriers still standing among peoples and individuals. Jesus is going to create a new world based on justice, peace and love.

• Secondly, St Paul urges us to abound in love for one another and for all, and to grow in holiness while waiting for the glorious appearance of our Lord Jesus, because this is for us the only way we, led and strengthened by the Spirit of Jesus, can contribute to the creation of the new world. Every victory over selfishness and pride, every act of care for others, every contribution towards peace, justice and unity by Christians and also by all men of good will is a contribution to the salvation of the world. This is also the meaning of growing in holiness daily. It means putting all our energy and resources to a good use, for the betterment of the world and of human relationships.

China's official media praised as 『a fusion of European civilization and Chinese civilization model - Fr. Matteo Ricci』

ASIA/CHINA - Xin Hua, official Chinese state-run agency, devotes long piece to Fr. Matteo Ricci, calling him the "model of incorporation of European and Chinese civilizations."

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – May 11, 2010 marks four hundred years since the death of Fr. Matteo Ricci, the great Italian Jesuit missionary (1552-1610) who with his extraordinary zeal for the mission combined with his talent in science, humanities, and cultural life, evangelized the Chinese empire. In view of this important anniversary, not only the Chinese Catholic world, but even the mass media of the Government of China has remembered this great sage West with affection. The Chinese state-run agency “Xin Hua” ("New China"), on November 23 published a long article entitled "Model of incorporation of European and Chinese civilizations," which was reported to be among the most visited sites of the state, along with sites like the Counselor's Office of the State Council, The China Internet Information Center, ... and many others.

The article outlines the figure of Fr. Matteo Ricci using expressions which are now well-known: "bridge between East and West", "great sage of the West", "promoter/model of exchange between East and West." Visitors can also read his detailed biography, his life, his mission, his contribution to cultural, scientific, social and religious, citing in particular the letter of the Holy Father Benedict XVI to Archbishop Claudio Giuliodori, Bishop of Macerata-Tolentino-Recanati-Treia, for the opening of the celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the death of the missionary.

Into four sections - Introduction, Study of Chinese culture, Two trips to Beijing, The path to the incorporation of different cultures and sciences - the author of the article examines the various factors that are the source of his reputation and make him even today a very important figure, beloved by all Chinese - Catholics and non alike. Finally, Fr. Matteo Ricci is called a “pioneer seeking a common basis for dialogue and scientific and cultural exchange. With his extraordinary, timeless cultural and theological talent, he indicated an alternative route of incorporation of culture and science for all.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 26/11/2009)

Refer to the Chinese report: http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2009-11/23/content_12524753.htm

34th Sunday in the Ordinary Time

First Reading: Daniel 7: 13-14. The Book of Daniel was written during the bitter persecution of the Second Century B.C. This book has stories, teachings and visions connected with a certain Daniel of four centuries earlier – all described to encourage the persecuted peoples. Today we read a consoling vision of the future glorified and personified People of God being given glory and kingship forever. It is easy to apply this to Christ who used the title “Son of Man”.

Second Reading: Revelation 1: 5-8. Today’s Second Reading is from the highly symbolic and highly consoling last book of the Bible, the Revelation. We read today the formal greeting at the start of the book. This is to praise Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us and who is pictured as returning at his Second Coming. Notice the description of Jesus as “ruler of the kings on earth.”

Gospel: John 18: 33-37. From John’s Gospel we read the description of Jesus as King. The Lord is royal, triumphant and in command even when on trial before Pilate. Jesus is King, but his Kingdom does not belong to this world.

Points for Reflection -Form Fr Carlo Tei

The Solemnity of Christ the King takes the place on the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Towards the end of November the liturgical year comes to an end. This final Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King, and the Gospel develops the idea of Christ as our King. It is a fitting note as another year of salvation closes: our entire lives are given over to him. He is our Lord, our Master, and our King.

The first two Readings today speak about the glory of Christ in his Second Coming. The word “glory” is often used in the Old Testament for the light-filled splendour of the presence of God. So when Christ appears in his glory, we shall recognize him as the One who could say: “Philip, to have seen me, is to have seen the Father”.

This glory was not so obviously manifest during his earthly life: Christ himself explains why to Pilate in today’s Gospel: “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews”. Jesus is telling Pilate he will not use force and armies in the way of this world’s kings.

Normally, kings are raised on a throne, and from there they rule. Jesus described the kind of throne he would use, and the power he would use from it with these words: “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” His throne would be his cross, and the power he chose to use was the power of his love manifested in his pierced Heart. He is the King of Love, and this most tender and mighty of all powers is the one by which he chose to govern and redeem us all.

Our recognition of Christ as the King of Love brings some important consequences for our lives: in order to belong to his kingdom, we, too, have to use the power of love. Jesus taught that the greatest of his kingly commandments is to love God with utmost passion; the next greatest is to love one another as he loved us. We owe Jesus the loyalty of love beyond measure.

What are the duties to which love calls? Jesus told us that on returning as King to collect his faithful sheep, he will find our fidelity etched in a whole stream of works of love: “I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; a stranger, and you welcomed me; ill, and you cared for me; in prison, and you visited me.” Here we see Jesus fusing the two commandments of love into one. What we do to others we do to him. To belong to his Kingdom, therefore, means to serve him humbly in our brothers and sisters. May his Spirit be our light and our strength.

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Memorial)

--From American Catholic

Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church.

As with Mary’s birth, we read of Mary’s presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was three years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless.

Though it cannot be proven historically, Mary’s presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond.

Comment:

It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God's saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary enriches her children. They, too, are temples of God and sanctified in order that they might enjoy and share in God's saving work.

Quote:

"Hail, holy throne of God, divine sanctuary, house of glory, jewel most fair, chosen treasure house, and mercy seat for the whole world, heaven showing forth the glory of God. Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God and raised above all human condition, virgin soil, unplowed field, flourishing vine, fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child, mother without knowing man, hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity, by your most acceptable prayers, strong with the authority of motherhood, to our Lord and God, Creator of all, your Son who was born of you without a father, steer the ship of the Church and bring it to a quiet harbor" (adapted from a homily by St. Germanus on the Presentation of the Mother of God).