Monday, July 04, 2005

"See I Make all Things New.."

Today (4th July), marks the one year anniversary of the end of my ICPE School of Mission in NZ..

I remember about two years ago, Rosita gave a prophecy during the CG which gave me alot of encouragement and hope. I kept it in my mobile for a long long time, holding on to the hope that God placed in my heart. Hope that He would certainly make all things new in my life. And He certainly did.. and continues to do so.

This prophecy was very clearly 'fulfilled' during my time at the School of Mission in NZ..a new time! A new time of intimacy with God, a time of restoration, a time of being, a time discovering my deepest desires. It is funny how when we are caught in a certain situation, it is always difficult to visualise the 'grass on the other side' and because we are so comfortable where we are, we don't really want to risk jumping over the fence... But I guess God has his ways of inviting us to take this risk.

In retropect, I think there were many circumstances in my life which God clearly led me to take this 'leap' over the fence, for which I am now grateful. It is also clear to me that there are just too many 'circumstances' for it to be coincedences...so..
Realised that this 'leap' over the fence has also brought new challenges. Challenge to trust more, to let go n also to remain righteous..

In any case, am really grateful to God for the experience, the frienships made, the time shared with the community and most of all, the graces he showered upon me during the outreach and the affirmation of my gifts from him, gifts which meant for His ministry, thru the people He sent.



...... Entering Tunnel ... At the Rimutaka Bike Hike
As I entered the tunnel (my first actually on a bike,) I recall another remember prophecy specifically from me thru Sue - "The road is very long, and there will be light at the end of the tunnel".


...... In the Tunnel...
Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel? We can hope cos there will always be.

Outreach..... My most most favourite part of the School. We went on a 3-week Parish Mission & Outreach.. also.. my favourite Mime "In His Light" .. about power of God's Holy SPirit to transform us.





Us at Mt Taranaki-Highest Mt in North NZ.




"...For As long as I shall live, I will testify to love,
I'll be a witness in the silence, where words are not enough
Every breath I take, I'll give thanks to God above...
For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love..."

Friday, July 01, 2005

Matthew Got up and follow Him... Matt 9,9-13.

The first reading of yesterday and today's Mass were on Abraham. I remember at a personal retreat two years ago, I found God challenging me to be like Abraham, to give up a relationship very precious to me. Well, Abraham was one inspiration for me at that time. His willingness to sacrifice without questioning, was something that seemed so impossible for me. [Maybe it was easier for him because he could ‘see’ and ‘hear’ God, whereas for us, it is just blind faith.] In any case, I drew strength from the fact that God will not test you beyond what you could handle & He , being a jealous God, just wants you to proof to him that you can will choose him n respond when he ask you to.. So … I guess the point is just TRUST.

Today, I am grateful to God for the past two years. They were filled with many trials and falls, but also many unexpected surprises and wonderful graces. As I pray for a friend who is making a radical choice to follow Christ like Matthew , in today’s Gospel, I am stirred and awed by His desires for me…

Below is a reflection from Daily Gospel which I subscribe to. It is really good, the email will send you the daily readings and also a reflection on the Gospel by some saint or Pope.

“Matthew got up and followed him.” Matt 9:9


Our Lord told Saint Matthew: “Follow me.” This lovable saint is a model for everyone. He was first of all a great sinner, as the Gospel says, and later, he became one of the great ones among all God’s friends. For Our Lord spoke to him in the depths of his being, and then he left everything in order to follow the Master.

To follow God in truth – that is everything; and in order to do that, it is necessary to truly and completely leave all that is not God, whatever it might be. God is a lover of hearts. He is not interested in what is external; rather, he wants us to give him a living interior devotedness. That devotedness has in itself more truth than if I said prayers so as to fill the whole world, or if I sang so loud that my song rose up to the highest heaven, more truth than everything I might do externally in fasting, vigils and other practices