Archive for October 14, 2015

A Little Note On My Love For My Parish

Posted: October 14, 2015 by CatholicJules in Memory Book
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I love all the Catholic Churches in the world, but the two main Parishes I will always hold dear to my heart are Church of the Risen Christ in Toa Payoh and Church of St Anthony Woodlands Singapore.

Church of the Risen Christ is the Parish I grew up in, with fond memories of friendships built to last a lifetime.  Of taking part in the choir for a spell and carolling round the neighbourhood at Christmas. Of the blessed opportunity to read out a poem I had written for then Archbishop Gregory Yong during my confirmation EC. I had learnt about the faith through my Cathechism there and grew up knowing full well that I would never abandon the Church to seek God elsewhere. 

Fast forward 25++ years later or so, my home Parish is now Church of St Anthony.  This is where my journey truly began, where I encountered the Holy Trinity in a very personal way and developed a deep loving relationship with Him.  God our Father opened so many doors for me and gave me so many opportunities to serve Him in His Church, the community and more.  We at St Anthony’s are truly blessed to have great, wonderful and dedicated Shepherds.  Especially our Parish Priest who works tirelessly in working to form His flock. 

And so Heavenly Father I thank You for the fond memories of the past and the fond memories developing as I continue to serve You in my Church, my community and in the world. I pray You to continue to bless, guide and watch over our priests and laity.  Especially our Pope, our Bishop, our priests and all the clergy, religious around the world.  Amen

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: October 14, 2015 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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What is our role here on earth sisters and brothers? Are we here to seek perfection in others while we remain imperfect? Are we here to point out the glaring faults in others that our sharp eyes easily pick up? Are we to dish out heavy punishment and penance for others before we forgive them first before God does? Do we indeed complain, grumble about all that is going on in the church, world, workplace and home? Are we living in the Spirit?

Our Heavenly Father sees and knows everything. In His mercy and love,  His Son was sent so that we might be set free to love and live in His Spirit.  Our role is this, to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. To Love one another as He loves us. We must strive each day to lead one another closer to our Heavenly inheritance.

Lord Jesus renew each day with Your love, cleanse me of my sins. That I may always serve You in humble servitude. Amen

First reading
Romans 2:1-11

No matter who you are, if you pass judgement you have no excuse. In judging others you condemn yourself, since you behave no differently from those you judge. We know that God condemns that sort of behaviour impartially: and when you judge those who behave like this while you are doing exactly the same, do you think you will escape God’s judgement? Or are you abusing his abundant goodness, patience and toleration, not realising that this goodness of God is meant to lead you to repentance? Your stubborn refusal to repent is only adding to the anger God will have towards you on that day of anger when his just judgements will be made known. He will repay each one as his works deserve. For those who sought renown and honour and immortality by always doing good there will be eternal life; for the unsubmissive who refused to take truth for their guide and took depravity instead, there will be anger and fury. Pain and suffering will come to every human being who employs himself in evil – Jews first, but Greeks as well; renown, honour and peace will come to everyone who does good – Jews first, but Greeks as well. God has no favourites.

Gospel
Luke 11:42-46

The Lord said to the Pharisees:
  ‘Alas for you Pharisees! You who pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and overlook justice and the love of God! These you should have practised, without leaving the others undone. Alas for you Pharisees who like taking the seats of honour in the synagogues and being greeted obsequiously in the market squares! Alas for you, because you are like the unmarked tombs that men walk on without knowing it!
  A lawyer then spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘when you speak like this you insult us too.’
  ‘Alas for you lawyers also,’ he replied ‘because you load on men burdens that are unendurable, burdens that you yourselves do not move a finger to lift.’