4th - 6th Sorrows of Our Lady

While the world encourages us to get out of our suffering, Jesus Christ wants us to regard every suffering as super-naturally fruitful, either for me or for another individual. It's a mystical process of the release of God's grace. Jesus Christ is inviting us to imitate Mother Mary, to be a co-redemptorist.


http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DY7P6PNX

I'm becoming curious with the spirituality of Our Lady of Sorrows. Before the labyrinth walk during the CCD Retreat, I asked God to tell me why Fr Anselm had said that my relationship with my mum is an unhealthy one. What's the role of my mum in my life?
After the labyrinth walk, when I returned to the hut, the first thing that caught my eyes was a wooden picture of Mother Mary at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified. I asked Sr, "What does that picture show?" She replied, "It's Our Lady of Sorrows." (whose spirituality was adopted by the Canossians Convent)
Perplexed...

God's Quiet Waters For Me- Coral Sec

A lot of my colleagues have left Coral Sec for various reasons. Some have considered to leave before and some are contemplating to leave the school. Me? I was posted to Coral since Term 2 of 2004. In a fleeting glimpse, more than 6 years passed. I have not only managed to survive there as an ordinary English teacher but am fortunate enough to be 'flourishing' in my involvement in church activities, particularly in the Children Catechetical Ministry.

I had also considered leaving the school twice. The first time was to intend to pursue full-time Masters course at NIE about two years ago and the second time took place during the end of first semester 2010 when I was pondering to switch to another school. After praying, I gave up the idea or so-called 'ambition' of getting a more 'worthy' academic qualification. It was this scripture verse that changed my mind: "For in union with Christ you have become rich in all things, including all speech and all knowledge." (1 Cor 1: 5) For the second time, I did try to look for suitable vacancies in my preferred schools and institutions during the Open Posting period, but to no avail. On both occasions, I took it as God's will for me to stay in my current school.

Recently, I'm reading a book entitled A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller. Through reading this book, I realised that this somewhat disagreeable working place that Lord

Jesus Christ had led me to is actually the best place for me. If I were in other schools where work is more demanding, I would not have been able to multi-task and perform my duties both in school and at church. Of course, there's still much room for improvement in terms of my efficiency in performing these multiple roles in my life, but at least, I'm surviving under God's protective mantle, which I truly must be grateful about it.

In my deep reflection, I soon discover that God is with me in this seemingly 'horrible' place. It is in Coral Sec that I discover that only He can satisfy me, nothing else. I not only receive God's comforting grace there, but also God's discipline on me. (Yeah! Don't be surprised, my friends or students! Teachers / Catechists also need to be disciplined by God! Haha! That's human weaknesses!) I also gradually understand His purpose and meaning of arranging all the events in my life. It is like all the pieces falling into place and sorting themselves out into a definite pattern of usefulness. Such a realisation is so refreshing and invigorating! Thereafter, the peace of God reigns in my heart and I am resolute to stay in Coral Sec because I know that's the quiet waters that God has led me to, the only place where I can quench my thirst. I'm contented.

Trust Fall (Experiment in 2010 CCD Retreat)

This was where Alycia couldn't trust Patrick (who was acting as Jesus)! Haha!

Anyway, these are some pertinent learning points:

• Don't limit or underestimate Jesus' capability according to human perceptions.
• Let your faith overcome your fear.
• True wisdom consists of obeying God; and in knowing that God is Supreme.

Cartoon Retreat (in 2010 CCD Retreat)

You'll never know what God has in store for you. It's beyond your realms of imagination!

Hymns for 2010 CCD Retreat

On Eagles Wings


The Power of Your Love


When I used this hymn to conclude this retreat, I simply could not sing along anymore.

ACCC2 Retreat

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Fr Anselm for sponsoring me to attend the ACCC. I hesitated taking it up at first, but after the first session, I already know that I have absolutely no regrets for attending this course. Indeed, absolutely no regrets.

Firstly, this course has changed my perceptions and understanding of catechism radically. Secondly, towards the later part of the course, especially during the retreat, it becomes like a personal conversion experience for me. Whilst having all sorts of plans and initiatives for CCD swirling in my mind, I am reminded by Jesus to be faithful to Him in the little things as well. In short, if I want to do catechesis well, I have to buck up on my personal discipline, in the aspects of setting a better example for students as well as gaining more familiarity with biblical knowledge, traditions of the Church and all the doctrines of Catholic faith. I'm actually a far way off from there.....

That day, I did not know where I managed to gather the courage and feel the compelling urge to share my struggles with the whole group of retreat participants. I actually broke down in front of the audience! Unbelievable! During Mass, I was so touched by the Holy Spirit that my eyes were overwhelmed with tears. Through this retreat, I also realise God's immense and incredible love for me, the endless comforting that keeps flowing into my heart, and I realise my poverty as well, and the fact that I'm being drawn closer to the light of Christ. Yeah! Praise the Lord! Alleluia!

Batam Trip May 2010 (2)

My First Hotel Stay!

Breathtaking scenery from my hotel room's window! It's something I can't get to see from my HDB flat in Singapore! I was simply ecstatic beyond words.

The interior of my hotel room. Isn't it simple yet cosy? Most importantly, it's SPACIOUS!

Hee... I'm like a swagu, a frog in a well.

Batam Trip May 2010 (1)

Seeing these children selling newspapers on the streets has a therapeutic effect on me. According to the tour guide, most of these children are very poor and have very complex family backgrounds as Indonesian men normally marry a number of wives! But they are so simple and ebullient children! When they see a bus full of tourists, they will wave frantically at us, smile joyfully and even jump up and down, to their delight!

As I looked at them through the bus window, I felt that relative to their plight, I am really fortunate, regardless of the conflicts or pressures that had occurred between my mum and me. I truly should have nothing to lament about.

My Gospel Reflection 3 (Matt 16: 13-19)

Although Simon Peter acknowledged that Jesus is Christ and Son of the living God then, he eventually denied knowing Jesus three times. Jesus clearly could forsee that happening but He still trusted Peter and declared him as the rock, on which He would build his Church. This shows that Jesus does not label others and thereafter condemns them. Instead, Jesus is ultra-magnanimous and merciful. Jesus had not only regarded Peter as worthy to serve Him, but even appointed him as leader of His Church. All human beings are weak in certain ways, but have we ever then disregard any person’s value because of their flaws? If that is the case, are we still imitating Christ?

In addition, Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be consider loosed in heaven.” Having keys of something means that you have access to something and for Peter, Jesus gave him the authority to determine who should enter the gates of heaven. Imagine if Peter were someone who abused his authority, wouldn’t heaven be in chaos? Hence, first of all, a spirit-filled leader should have humility and recognize that without God, nothing can be achieved. In all our work, we should strive to love Him, serve Him with a pure heart, and seek to exalt Him. The second essential quality is to act in righteousness, thereby showing obedience to our Lord. Finally, spirit-filled leaders are mindful that they are only stewards of whatever ministries they are called to lead and thus the need to demonstrate accountability, both in terms of material resources as well as the spiritual well-being of their people.

My Gospel Reflection 2 (Luke 9: 18-24)

“If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me.” What is the meaning of to ‘renounce’ yourself? It means giving up voluntarily something, for instance the worldly pleasures, our human nature and desires. Taking up our crosses every day to follow Christ is never easy, but as long as we choose to walk in the light of Christ, God is always with us. God, our Heavenly Father, will send the Holy Spirit to teach us everything and make us remember all His teachings.

Moreover, The Christ of God was also not spared from the suffering. Jesus had chosen to fulfill His Heavenly Father’s will and was thus subjected to rejection, humiliation, physical torture, and later crucifixion. But Jesus was raised up on the third day! He had taken precedence over us, so what else should we fear when following him?