tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26694876500091930102024-03-13T06:55:27.452+08:00Come Read What The Padre MusedA smorgasbord of other bits which pop up from time to time.Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-68787731535550471762021-08-22T11:29:00.003+08:002021-08-22T11:34:43.878+08:00Quotes and Anecdotes Throughout Ministry (The Story of our Lives so far)<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6e0dAv7KoA/YSHE_1PkbCI/AAAAAAAAB90/zUW267E4TwEx5D1hkyFANfXBkY3oQmrDACLcBGAsYHQ/s780/anecdotes_storytelling.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="780" height="129" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6e0dAv7KoA/YSHE_1PkbCI/AAAAAAAAB90/zUW267E4TwEx5D1hkyFANfXBkY3oQmrDACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h129/anecdotes_storytelling.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Having
been a priest for several years, I have from time to time come up with
interesting quotes from different sources. Some of these quotes may seem
familiar to some of you, since you may have encountered the persons who uttered
them. Other quotes are peculiar to certain parishes or locations I have been. So,
what are these quotes I am referring to? Well, here they are, in no particular
order:</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">I recall a professor in College General Penang who once remarked: “You
know, when it comes to the religious, they belong to a certain religious order.
For example, the Jesuits are known as the Society of Jesus, or SJ in short. The
Carmelites are known as OCD, or Order of Carmelites Discalced. Whereas priests
who come under a particular Diocese or Archdiocese are known as OOO. Do you
know what OOO means?” Many of us cracked our heads trying to figure out what
the initials meant. Then the professor said with a smirk: “It means Out of
Order. Since Diocesans do not belong to a particular religious order, they are
therefore “Out of Order,” Of course, the professor said this as a joke, and in
reality, Diocesans do not have any initials after their name. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">An "ah pek" (usually meaning an older uncle in Hokkien) saying
to some young men at church in a cheeky and questioning tone: "So you come
to church to pray or to prey ah?" Naturally, this "ah pek" must
have seen some "paktorlogy" attempts going on for quite a bit, which
caused him to utter this. “Paktorlogy” here refers to efforts by a man and a woman
to date for a certain period, with hopes of eventually leading to a proposal, a
wedding and married life. This is where the term “earning a degree in
‘Paktorlogy’” comes from, where such a degree is attained when the marriage materialises.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">In a certain gambling institution, which happens to have a chapel, a
padre commented: "So aaa... I hope you come to pray first and play later
aaa." Apparently, this comment seems to work, since I too used it during
my stint there as parish priest, and quite a sizable crowd came to the chapel
for Mass, possibly hoping for some blessings so that they would stand a better
chance in winning in the gambling games.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Again, in a certain gambling institution which happens to have a chapel
near the carpark on the lower floor, whereas the gambling area is at the upper
floors, a padre remarked: "Welcome! Here downstairs you are at God's city,
upstairs is sin city." This chapel had been in existence from the 1970s
and it was a gift from the management for Catholic employees to attend Mass and
for other religious activities. Next to the chapel was a Buddhist prayer room
next to that was a Pentecostal prayer room. A mosque had also been built at a
different location some time back.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">A jovial and elderly padre was driving, and I was seated at the
passenger seat. Coming upon a big lorry in front of him, he remarked: "Oh
oh! We better find a way to overtake this big buffalo, or else we will be
stuck." This elderly padre had lots of other jokes and anecdotes up his
sleeves, and I enjoyed the many conversations I had with him during my time
with him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">A padre who I was accompanying to a rural area for Mass remarked:
"When you drive on this road aaa, you need to watch out for long thing,
big thing, small thing and hard to see thing." I was puzzled what he meant
and asked him. Here was his explanation:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Long thing: snake, iguana, biawak</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Big thing: lorries, buffaloes, cows, other large animals or objects</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Small thing: people or animals, especially the younger ones that may be
at the side of the road or playing near the road.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Hard to see thing: Motorbikes, especially at night, where some
motorbikes do not have sufficient lights on or lack enough reflective strips</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">A monsignor, who is now retired and residing in a famous place which has
a name that happens to be the patron saint of tools and carpentry, likes to end
a life experience with a remark, “That’s the story of our lives.” And the
response to that remark is: “And we’ll drink to that!” He said this in jest,
not to take life seriously, and enjoy each other’s company with a glass of
wine. Incidentally, the name of the place he is residing is called Sentul,
which sounds like “Saint Tool.”</span></p>
Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-30727284607841776342020-09-20T22:03:00.006+08:002020-09-21T05:59:39.865+08:00Japanese "Jam" Anniewan (Anyone)?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--x8H9Y5bcs4/X2diAo8JTWI/AAAAAAAAB1s/oYJ1XNojRVQFhPYPsi3u39cz4wNFSM7KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/finely-grated-wasabi-served-in-porcelain-container-royalty-free-image-1569425165.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1200" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--x8H9Y5bcs4/X2diAo8JTWI/AAAAAAAAB1s/oYJ1XNojRVQFhPYPsi3u39cz4wNFSM7KQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h162/finely-grated-wasabi-served-in-porcelain-container-royalty-free-image-1569425165.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Years ago, when I was working in a firm before joining seminary, I was entertaining a client from one of those countries in Eastern Europe (can’t remember exactly which country). Apparently the country the client was from did not have any Japanese restaurants there. A friend owned a Japanese restaurant, and my colleagues and I decided to bring this client to the Japanese restaurant to initiate him (the client was a guy) into Japanese cuisine.<p></p><p>At the restaurant, the client was looking through the menu, and feeling peckish, he asked whether there was some bread, since he saw what appeared to be some “delicious” looking “jam” at the side of the table. I looked at my friend, the restaurant owner, he looked at me, we shrugged and my friend said to me: “Bread? Japanese cuisine where got bread wan?” I told my friend: “Aiyah! Just look for some and give it to him lah”, not knowing initially why on earth he would want some bread for starters, especially in a Japanese restaurant.</p><p>The client took the bread, and to our horror, he used a spoon, rubbed some green “jam” onto the bread, and before we could stop him or warn him, he stuffed the bread into his mouth faster than a speeding bullet. Seconds later, a popular song from the Platters, began to unfold in front of us, as smoke got into his eyes 👀 ears 👂 and mouth 👄 and copious amounts of cooling liquid was consumed by the client, in an attempt to extinguish the “flames” 🔥.</p><p>Needless to say, not much could be done on that day, as the client needed to excuse himself and rush back to his hotel room to recuperate. Fortunately for us, he was quite a good sport, since he had mistakenly assumed that the green "jam" was harmless and could be relished with delight, only to discover the excruciating truth otherwise. My colleagues and I managed to secure a good contract with the client, and he became known as "wasabi king", having done where few have dared to venture.</p>Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-74446340905353567472020-09-06T22:12:00.002+08:002020-09-06T23:02:34.050+08:00Tom Yum on a Train Anniewan (Anyone)?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejO0HYgHy8o/X1Tu11cD5oI/AAAAAAAAB1M/rpPUTcPGeSUc261-YJyhTpDBgF9xilH5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tom-yum-goong-spicy-lemongrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejO0HYgHy8o/X1Tu11cD5oI/AAAAAAAAB1M/rpPUTcPGeSUc261-YJyhTpDBgF9xilH5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/tom-yum-goong-spicy-lemongrass.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Many moons ago, my classmates and I took a train from KL to Bangkok for our retreat. When the train reached Padang Besar, which is the border of Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand, the engine and buffet coach were exchanged with their Thai counterpart.<br />
<br />
After entering Thailand, my classmates and I decided to go look see (colloquial term for "have a look at") the buffet coach. There, we saw a couple from Suriname 🇸🇷 (a country at the north of South America) looking through the menu. The couple wanted to order tom yum and said to the waiter that they wanted to try tom yum, since the dish seemed foreign to them and they perhaps felt a little adventurous.<br />
<br />
The waiter, a Thai, was not so good with English, and asked the couple: “You want tom yum 1... 2... 3... 4... or 5?” The couple thought 1 means lousy and 5 means very good, so they said 5, since they thought they would be getting the best and finest quality. When the tom yum arrived, it was super red, boiling and bubbling red in the pot, and there appeared to be volcanic eruptions. The tom yum seemed to have been transformed into a fiery angry dragon, full of brimstone and other nasty flame-like qualities ready to barbecue the taste-buds of anyone foolhardy enough to attempt a taste.<br />
<br />
The couple offered my classmates the tom yum, seeing how scarily potent and vile it looked 👀. Naturally, my classmates politely said no and ordered their own meals instead. Otherwise, if they had attempted to savour such a dish, they would for sure "lau sai" ("keberakan yang tak terhingga", or "cirit birit", or a massive case of defecation in mass quantities, or acute diarrhoea) all the way to Bangkok. 🤔🤭😬 Having to run to the toilet to empty one's bowels every now on then, especially on a bumpy and moving train, would certainly be quite a preventable miserable experience.Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-25682103707278846322020-05-08T10:32:00.001+08:002020-08-27T15:34:13.509+08:00Pemerhatian dan Pengalaman Tentang Sakramen Pengurapan Pesakit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hiPmKHYNrJw/XrRN3LXRmAI/AAAAAAAABro/DWE3PUlzGDct_e9VL7Zuh8buItzwlOZfACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hiPmKHYNrJw/XrRN3LXRmAI/AAAAAAAABro/DWE3PUlzGDct_e9VL7Zuh8buItzwlOZfACPcBGAYYCw/s200/maxresdefault.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Ini adalah isu yang sering berlaku. Berapa umat memaklumkan kepada paderi hanya pada saat-saat terakhir untuk pemberian Sakramen Pengurapan Pesakit. Lebih baiklah jika paderi diberitahu sebelum pesakit masuk hospital atau sebaik sahaja dia masuk hospital. Ada yang rasa, selepas pesakit diurapi, kemungkinan besar dia ‘balik kampung’ atau meninggal dunia; pernah dikenali sebagai “urapan terakhir” atau “extreme unction” – istilah yang digunakan pada masa dulu. Kini, sakramen pengurapan boleh diberi awal-awal lagi dimana kita meminta Allah melindungi pesakit dan menyembuhinya. Tidak bermasaalah jika situasi kecemasan di mana paderi dimaklumkan dan diberi masa yang singkat. Ini tertuju kepada umat yang sedia tahu – pesakit di hospital atau akan dimasukkan ke hospital tetapi mengambil masa yang lama atau hanya memaklumkan kepada paderi pada saat-saat terakhir semasa pesakit dalam keadaan tenat.<br />
<br />
Bila paderi, tidak dapat memberi sakramen tersebut sebelum pesakit meninggal dunia, sesetengah orang akan menyalahkan paderi. Paderi dicaci dan ada juga diancam akan dilukakan secara fizikal. Bila maklumkan pada saat-saat terakhir, anda fikir paderi boleh terbang? Situasi ini boleh dielakkan sekiranya umat memaklumkan awal-awal lagi.<br />
<br />
Ada pula umat yang menjangka paderi yang bertutur bahasa tertentu untuk memberi sakramen itu. Oleh kerana paderi khusus itu tidak dapat hadir, paderi lain yang mungkin tidak bertutur bahasa tersebut masih boleh memberi sakramen itu. Tetapi ini pula menimbulkan perasaan marah dan tidak senang hati. Pengurapan oleh seorang paderi itu tetap pengurapan, tidak kira bahasa pertuturan paderi itu. Umat harus bersyukur seorang paderi hadir untuk memberi sakramen itu dari berkeras kepala dan menunjukan perasaan marah.<br />
<br />
Ada juga umat yang rasa mereka berhak untuk meminta hanya paderi dari paroki sendiri memberi sakramen itu. Kadang-kadang paderi dari paroki sendiri tidak dapat pergi dan paderi dari paroki lain dipesan mewakilinya, dan paderi dari paroki lain itu dapat pergi memberikan sakramen itu. Oleh sebab ini, umat itu naik marah dan menjerit-jerit pula. Sebenarnya, seorang paderi telah dilantik untuk memberi sakramen itu, Kan itu lebih penting – pesakit dapat menerima sakramen pengurapan?<br />
<br />
Saya teringat satu situasi dimana, seorang ahli paroki dari kumpulan bahasa tertentu meminta seorang paderi yang dapat bertutur dalam bahasanya untuk pergi memberikan Sakramen Pengurapan kepada ibunya. Paderi yang dapat berbahasa tersebut sibuk pada masa itu. Pada masa itu, saya juga tidak dapat pergi kerana ada hal mendesak. Walaubagaimanapun, saya menghubungi paderi dari paroki lain untuk menolong kami. Paderi tersebut mampu memberi pengurapan untuk ibu tersebut. Tetapi ahli paroki berasa sungguh kecewa kerana kedua-dua paderi dari parokinya tidak dapat memberi sakramen itu sehingga dia berani menulis surat aduan kepada Uskup tentang hal ini. Saya sungguh terkejut dengan sikap ini. Di mana perginya budi bahasa, akal dan kesyukuran?<br />
<br />
Mungkin, segelintir dari kita patut lihat diri sendiri dan sikap kita terhadap pemberian sakramen pengurupan pesakit. Jika orang kesayangan kita dapat menerima sakramen pengurapan dari seorang paderi, maka kita patut berterima-kasih dan bersyukur kepada Allah. Mengapa berkelakuan tidak senonoh atau hendak sangat paderi yang dapat bertutur bahasa tertentu, atau lebih mengelirukan, hanya paderi-paderi dari paroki sendiri memberi sakramen itu? Adakah ini bermakna hanya paderi-paderi dari paroki sendiri sahaja halal, manakala paderi-paderi dari paroki lain haram? Tidakkah kita patut hargai keadaan dimana kita dapat seorang paderi untuk menunaikan sakramen itu kepada orang kesayangan kita? Mana lebih penting...sakramen pengurapan yang dilaksanakan oleh paderi atau menunaikan kehendak dan jangkaan paderi tertentu untuk menjalankan sakramen tersebut?Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-33585177858149759802020-05-08T02:04:00.003+08:002020-08-27T15:34:08.190+08:00傅油圣事的事情<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hiPmKHYNrJw/XrRN3LXRmAI/AAAAAAAABrk/pm7z7G4xhaMM4aaIRv0fQQwkfB4FuVyfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hiPmKHYNrJw/XrRN3LXRmAI/AAAAAAAABrk/pm7z7G4xhaMM4aaIRv0fQQwkfB4FuVyfACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/maxresdefault.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
这是经常发生的事情:有些教友在亲人病危时,也就是说在最后一分钟才通知本堂神父, 要求给病人傅油。我希望教友们能体谅神父。假如能在病人入院前或入院后立即通知神父为病人傅油,那不是更好?以前,曾经有些教友认为病人傅油是给病人办理临终仪式,(让病人安然回天国),但是现在的傅油圣事目的是祈求天主保佑及治愈病人,让他们你能早日复原,病好。当然,在紧急时通知神父是情有可原的。然而,一些教友已经知道病人的情况,在入院前或入院后还慢条斯理的不请神父替病人傅油,非等到最后一分钟才通知神父不可。<br />
<br />
神父们恰巧在当时没有空,而病人已魂归天国时,他们就埋怨神父不负责任,大声责备他们,更有一些疯狂的教友威胁要打神父。唉,最后一分钟才通知,难道神父会飞吗?因此希望教友能体谅神父,尽早通知他们,以免错过大好的机会。<br />
<br />
有些教友只请会讲某种语言的神父去替病人傅油,如果不是他们所要的特定神父,那么他们就不高兴。要知道任何一位神父都有资格替病人傅油而不是本堂神父而已。希望教友们秉着知恩图报的心理,感谢天主,至少有位神父替病人傅油,难道傅油不是更重要吗? 不要无理取闹了。<br />
<br />
曾经有一位教友要特定会讲某种语言的神父替他的母亲傅油。但是该为神父没有空,要求我替他办事,而我也刚好那时走不开,就请了另一位神父代替。过后该教友感到非常不愉快,埋怨本堂神父不负责任。结果他一气之下,致函给主教投诉该本堂神父。我心里想该位教友居心何在?不但没感恩,没有礼貌,没有常理,而只顾投诉!<br />
<br />
我想教友们对傅油圣事应该有正确的观点和态度。假如病人已经领了傅油圣事,那么应该感恩,不要执意要本堂神父或是会讲某种语言者!你们难道认为本堂神父或是会讲某种特定语言的才是有效或合法的办傅油圣事吗?希望教友懂得分别两者之间---傅油圣事和特定神父,孰轻孰重?Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-84712195277430019972020-05-07T21:32:00.001+08:002020-08-27T15:34:01.781+08:00Observations Concerning Anointing of the Sick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng_OXKsZZM8/XrQOSJoh-_I/AAAAAAAABrA/KeZvBNM0fWcXdwphB6a05mn_F_4jEbmxgCK4BGAsYHg/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng_OXKsZZM8/XrQOSJoh-_I/AAAAAAAABrA/KeZvBNM0fWcXdwphB6a05mn_F_4jEbmxgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h113/maxresdefault.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It is a perpetual issue, where some inform the priests of the parish only at the very last minute for anointing of the sick, instead of informing earlier, if possible prior to the person being hospitalised, or as soon as the person is hospitalised. Perhaps some think that anointing of the sick means the person anointed would quite likely 'balik kampung' (pass away) shortly after anointing; "extreme unction" as what it was once called. But this is no longer the case, as anointing can be given earlier, asking God to care for the person and heal him or her. I can understand if it is an emergency and the priest is informed at such short notice, but I refer to those who know jolly well that their loved one is hospitalised or about to be hospitalised, and they take their own sweet time to inform a priest, or only inform when the loved one is almost about to 'balik kampung.'<br />
<br />
When the priest is unable to make it in time, and the person 'balik kampung' (passes away), then some begin to blame the priest for not being there to give the anointing, and the priest is "whacked" or verbally abused, and in some situations, even to the extent of being physically threatened. Hello! Last minute inform, you think the priest can fly? Be realistic and reasonable... inform early instead of informing at your convenience.<br />
<br />
Also, some expect a priest of a certain language group to come give anointing, even though the priest is not available at that time, and other priests who may not be able to speak that particular language, could still give the anointing. This has led to anger and ill feelings among some, but what they should realise is that anointing is anointing, regardless of which priest administers it. Instead of stubbornly and vehemently demanding that a priest of a particular language group come, they should be glad and thankful that at least there is a priest to come give the anointing.<br />
<br />
Also, some seem to think that they are entitled to having only the priests of the parish come and give anointing. When the priests of the parish are unavailable at that time, and a priest from another parish has been asked to give the anointing, such entitled persons scream and shout and get very angry that the priests of the parish are not able to come in person to give the anointing. The fact is, at least a priest has been arranged to give the anointing. Isn't that what is more important, that the person who is sick receives anointing?<br />
<br />
I recall one situation among many, where a particular parishioner of a particular language group, had requested that a priest who could speak that particular language, go anoint the parishioner's mother. The priest who could speak that particular language was not free at that time, and he asked me whether I could go. At that time, I too was tied up with an urgent matter, and I called a priest in a different parish for help. Fortunately, that priest was free and he went to anoint the parishioner's mother. After that, the parishioner was so upset that neither the other priest nor me were free to go anoint the mother, and this parishioner had the audacity and gall to write a nasty letter complaining to the Archbishop about this matter. I was aghast at such attitude, wondering what has become of courtesy, common sense and gratitude.<br />
<br />
Perhaps some of us need to look at ourselves and our attitudes towards anointing of the sick. If your loved one has received anointing of the sick from a priest, then you should be thankful and grateful to God. Why become so petty or have a sense of entitlement that a priest of a certain language group must come, or even more baffling, only the priests of the parish must come? Does it mean that only the priests of the parish is halal (permissible or lawful), and other priests are haram (forbidden, illegal or unlawful)? Shouldn't we learn to appreciate that at least a priest has come to anoint your loved one? Which is more important... the anointing received by a priest, or fulfilling one's demands and expectations of having a particular priest come to give the anointing?Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-33159333936644487822019-12-25T21:28:00.005+08:002020-10-10T23:36:16.448+08:00BO and MO during Confession?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EaSAQSz31-Y/XmA140zdf8I/AAAAAAAABpw/GqP41qzBgIUesHw2Y0HFqjg_BncMh9XswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fresh-smell-6ed2b8c679.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="598" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EaSAQSz31-Y/XmA140zdf8I/AAAAAAAABpw/GqP41qzBgIUesHw2Y0HFqjg_BncMh9XswCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/fresh-smell-6ed2b8c679.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Among the many challenges a padre has to put up with when it comes to confession, one which is just as potent and potentially pengsan-able (slang in Malay for likely a cause for one to faint) is the whole matter of BO and MO. In case you do not know what those acronyms are, BO is body odour, and MO is mouth odour. At times, the BO and/or the MO could be quite overwhelming, and some of us may need to look away, not because we do not like the penitent, but because direct inhalement of such "perfume" could result in temporary lost of attention and temporary deprivation of senses.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, the cocktail of chemicals emanating from the BO and MO is excruciating, almost similar to traces of malathion, or even similar to the stuff used to fog away mosquitoes, and such "fragrance" could remain in the near-surrounding atmosphere for quite a while, necessitating in temporary interruption of operations, before the next penitent could be beckoned.<br />
<br />
Seeing how such interruptions could lead to further delays in attending to many other souls looking to "cuci kolam" ("clean the pool," as what a certain "mother superior" likes to say, referring to confession), I implore such persons affected to have a heart and do something to make such scents a little less obvious. A "scent"-free environment would really help enable the process of reconciliation to be carried out smoothly, for the good of all.Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-59373389586832613562019-05-13T18:47:00.001+08:002020-08-27T15:34:25.818+08:00Mother Tongue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EHv3_NsH5c/XNlUOu_SapI/AAAAAAAABm4/maLL7WS0rBgmfFwYreiNvyNSMO_DvkfQACLcBGAs/s1600/156304-mother-tongue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EHv3_NsH5c/XNlUOu_SapI/AAAAAAAABm4/maLL7WS0rBgmfFwYreiNvyNSMO_DvkfQACLcBGAs/s320/156304-mother-tongue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
"What's your mother tongue?" I sometimes get this question from
friends and others, who are curious as to why I was previously not able
to speak Mandarin, and am unable to speak in other Chinese dialects
(unless, of course, one wishes to include "flowery language" in Hokkien
or Hakka, which I happen to know some - censored, cannot say here wan).
Some folks even classified me as OCBC or banana... in case you are
wondering what those words mean, OCBC is not the bank, but "Orang<span class="text_exposed_show">
Cina Bukan Cina", a not so pleasant way of saying: "a Chinese who
cannot speak "Chinese"." Banana means, yellow at the outside, and white
in the inside, implying a Chinese who has become westernised and cannot
speak Chinese.</span><br />
<br />
Actually,
if you look at the word "mother tongue", I believe a better way of
looking at the term would be: the language that your mother taught you
from the time you were an infant. In that aspect, I would unequivocally
and categorically deduce that, given the circumstances, my mother tongue
would certainly and definitely be "English" and not just any "English"
but "British English."<br />
<br />
In case you haven't got the faintest idea
what I just wrote, let's put it in Malaysian English: "So aaa... my
mother tongue is English yaa... ok? understand? Good... Dei... let's go
tapau some nasi lemak and chee cheong fun. Or you prefer to eat in?
Either way boleh."<br />
<br />
So as you can see, I was previously not able
to speak Chinese dialects, including Mandarin, as I had little exposure,
coming from a family which speaks English at home. It was only when I
went off to Taiwan that I picked up, with some success, Mandarin, not
just any Mandarin, but Taiwanese Mandarin (chei wah... action wan ah).
Then back here in Malaysia, I came to realise that Taiwanese Mandarin
does not jive so well with some of our local folks here, since some
words are different in pronunciation. After some challenging
adjustments, I learnt to convert, with some mixed success, to Malaysian
Mandarin. Of course, there are some side effects to such conversion. My
friends in Taiwan tell me that my Mandarin has deteriorated from their
level, but at the very least, folks here have some idea what I am
saying, if you know what I am saying <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" title="wink emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tb0/1.5/16/1f609.png" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe"></span></span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" title="tongue emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf8/1.5/16/1f61b.png" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe"></span></span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" title="grin emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/taa/1.5/16/1f603.png" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe"></span></span><br />
<br />
So there you have it! My mother tongue has always been English. I
learnt Mandarin in Taiwan, and Bahasa Malaysia in school, so be kind ya,
if I end up going back to English. Hard disk cannot process and
translate to other language so quickly (unless, of course, if I
translate to BM, which I am quite ok with). Sekian, harap dimaklumkan (<span data-offset-key="7v2e0-0-0"><span data-text="true">That's all folks!</span></span>)Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-46516271053980126132019-03-28T17:22:00.000+08:002020-08-27T15:34:50.675+08:00O... O... O...?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVwxbfZt_Kw/XJyVcOGwrcI/AAAAAAAABk4/u2WmFu5q_n8c0KmFWMEw14dlB_PcX6w7QCLcBGAs/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVwxbfZt_Kw/XJyVcOGwrcI/AAAAAAAABk4/u2WmFu5q_n8c0KmFWMEw14dlB_PcX6w7QCLcBGAs/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
Sometimes, people come to me and ask whether I belong to a particular
religious order, like SJ, CDD, OFM, OFM cap, OCD, CSSR, etc.<br />
<br />
For those of you who do not know what those acronyms mean:<br />
<br />
SJ - Society of Jesus a.k.a. The Jesuits<br />
<br />
CDD - Congregatio Discipulorum Domini a.k.a. Congregation of the Disciples of the Lord<br />
<br />
OFM - Ordo Fratum Minorum a.k.a. Order of Franciscans Minor or Franciscan Friars<br />
<br />
OFM cap - Ordo Fratrum Minorum Capuccinorum a.k.a. Order of Capuchin Friars<br />
<br />
OCD - Order of Discalced Carmelites<br />
<br />
CSSR - Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer or The Redemptorists<br />
<br />
I am not from any particular Religious Order as I am a Diocesan priest.
That means I serve in a parish in a particular
diocese (in this case, Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese).<br />
<br />
However, some still ask whether
diocesan priests have got some sort of initial like the religious
priests, brothers and sisters do. The short answer to this question is
NO. But an elderly padre who once taught us in the seminary did share
with us that diocesan priests have got a hidden "sort of initial" which
we don't normally mention. The padre shared that diocesan priests are
known "unofficially" as "OOO" (that's 'oh oh oh' and not 3 zeros).<br />
<br />
Anyone knows what "OOO" means? <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" title="smile emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ta5/1.5/16/1f642.png" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe"></span></span><br />
<br />
In case you did not know, "OOO" means: Out Of Order!<br />
<br />
Since Diocesan priests do not belong to an "Order" or a Religious Order, they are therefore "Out of Order" <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" title="tongue emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf8/1.5/16/1f61b.png" width="16" /></span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" title="grin emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/taa/1.5/16/1f603.png" width="16" /></span>Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-5345042259285983822019-02-18T16:44:00.002+08:002020-08-27T15:51:37.465+08:00Retreat or Formation? 避靜或培訓?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd7m8-PdtRg/XGsluHAmamI/AAAAAAAABjk/TXRUWIoKu8w161qci7I9SjVhLJNLzzJagCLcBGAs/s1600/silent-retreat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="729" height="103" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd7m8-PdtRg/XGsluHAmamI/AAAAAAAABjk/TXRUWIoKu8w161qci7I9SjVhLJNLzzJagCLcBGAs/s200/silent-retreat1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_5y01jOyWY/XGsl1chYo1I/AAAAAAAABjo/PKpG49_ROLQePj3C15mXAP7Xd89LBx5XACLcBGAs/s1600/Faith-Formation-300x243.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="300" height="162" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_5y01jOyWY/XGsl1chYo1I/AAAAAAAABjo/PKpG49_ROLQePj3C15mXAP7Xd89LBx5XACLcBGAs/s200/Faith-Formation-300x243.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Some folks mix up retreat and formation. They seem to think that retreat is formation and formation is retreat. However, they are not the same. To make it simple, a retreat is time we spend with the Big Big Boss (preferably in silence and solitude) for a certain period, usually a few days, a week, or even a month. Formation, on the other hand, is for our intellectual growth, with hope that this would lead us to spiritual growth. When we are on retreat, we should not be too concerned about receiving input. Rather, we ought to spend more time listening to the Big Big Boss voice. In our world today, we are distracted by so many types of noise. As a result, we may have become less and less sensitive to the promptings from our Big Big Boss.<br />
<br />
有些人混淆了[避靜]和[培訓]的分别.他們似乎都認为[避靜]就是[培訓],[培訓]就是[避靜].但它們是不一样的.简单的说,[避静]是我們花一段时间与天主(大大老板)单独沈静地相处,通常会是几天,一个星期,甚至是一个月.但是[培訓]从另一面耒说是增强我們智力的成長.但当我們在[避静]时,我們不要太在意输入,相反的我們应該花多一点时间去呤听天主(大大老板)的声音.在现今的世界里,我們可能已变得越來越少去感受天主(大大老板)的提示.Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-51466059473949399152019-01-08T09:11:00.001+08:002020-08-27T15:51:45.561+08:00Conditional or Unconditional Generosity?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hByGs97ZSI/XDP44d-jxGI/AAAAAAAABhA/El3ogg1STUE0cRIluxKaLrB8UURDoLT7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot%2B%252822%2529_o_1bnu1h1m51hs1ocjoko1q12dek7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="700" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hByGs97ZSI/XDP44d-jxGI/AAAAAAAABhA/El3ogg1STUE0cRIluxKaLrB8UURDoLT7ACEwYBhgL/s320/Screenshot%2B%252822%2529_o_1bnu1h1m51hs1ocjoko1q12dek7.png" width="320" /></a>Has it ever occurred to you why some of us are offering our time, talents and wealth to the church? I have observed that in some cases, it is because of the kind of relationship persons are experiencing that some would be more or less generous. For example, a priest or a leader is friendly and caring to the people, and because some experience such friendliness and care, they are willing and happy to offer more. But when a priest or leader is less friendly or caring, then what happens, would people be still as generous?<br />
<br />
Relationship is what many of us long for, but I wonder if that should be one factor of how generous one should be. When we speak of offering and being generous to the church, what are we really meaning here? Are we generous with the condition that we would be loved and well-treated in return? Do we expect to get something out of what we give, or could we give unconditionally? Does it mean that being a Christian means there are terms and conditions attached for our benefit?<br />
<br />
This is where, perhaps, we need to ask ourselves: God gave us His son Jesus, freely, unconditionally, to save all of us from our sins. Jesus came not to save only a certain few, or only those who are good or kind, or according to certain terms and conditions, as salvation is offered to all. It is up to us to accept or reject this free offer of salvation, and if we reject it, we cannot turn around and say that we did not have a choice. If God’s generosity knows no bounds, then why are some of us generous with bounds, whereby for some of us, generosity is based on what we can get out of it in return?<br />
<br />
We must remember that priests and leaders come and go, and that at the end of the day, our generosity ought to be to build God’s Kingdom and to glorify Him, not for our personal gratification or to maintain a feel-good environment. Our generosity is not going to end up only in a certain priest or leader’s pocket, or only for the benefit of a certain priest or leader; but our generosity would be used ultimately for the good of the church. If we are mindful of this, then surely we should ponder how generous we really are, and do what is right and just for the good of the church and to assist in its mission.Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-44158716806980969412018-10-30T05:42:00.004+08:002020-08-31T21:28:43.387+08:00Pulling One’s Weight Around?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34pWalpckPE/W9d_mTCfSqI/AAAAAAAABfM/tNzIMqFzFZkBvnbG-If_f3-nVxiooiOigCLcBGAs/s1600/more.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="451" height="187" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34pWalpckPE/W9d_mTCfSqI/AAAAAAAABfM/tNzIMqFzFZkBvnbG-If_f3-nVxiooiOigCLcBGAs/s200/more.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Recently, I came across some persons who requested for a funeral to be celebrated for a relative who passed away while working at a distant place, and the immediate next of kin of the deceased happened to have recently moved from another town to the present town where the parish I am presently ministering to is situated. The deceased had never set foot in the present town where the parish I am ministering to is situated, and the deceased, I am told, went to another parish in a different town whenever the deceased returned from that distant place to visit the grandmother.<br />
<br />
At first, I was a little hesitant to have the funeral celebrated, since I knew nothing about the deceased, as the deceased had no other connection with the present town other than only the next of kin who had recently moved to the present town. However, after speaking to a relative of the deceased, who sought my help, and upon getting some assurance from the relative concerning some spiritual background of the deceased, I then acceded to granting a funeral Mass. However, I was quite taken aback, when I received a call from my assistant, who was quite stunned, confused and puzzled as to why he was being dragged into a matter which he knew nothing about. It seems that certain individuals linked to the deceased had complained to the parish priest of a parish of that distant place, allegedly stating that my assistant had refused a funeral Mass, and that parish priest then complained to my assistant concerning such a refusal; but the fact of the matter was that a funeral Mass had been granted, and the whole matter had nothing to do with my assistant.<br />
<br />
Moreover, I was quite shocked and disappointed when I received a call from a parish priest of another parish located in another town quite some distance away, asking if there was some way burial could be permitted for the deceased at the cemetery of the parish of the present town. Such request had been denied, and the relative I had spoken to understood and agreed, that the cemetery was reserved only for folks belonging to the parish of the present town, as that was the intention of the donor of the cemetery. It seems that other relatives of the deceased were unhappy that the request had been denied, and apparently they were in disagreement with the terms and conditions concerning the cemetery, and they had the audacity to involve another parish priest of another parish located in another town quite some distance away, to try and intercede for their cause. Naturally, to preserve the original purpose of the cemetery, such a request coming from the other parish priest was also denied.<br />
<br />
This makes me wonder... why do people not get the message when no means no, and when a request had been granted at a slightly later time, there is no need to jump the gun and create a ruckus, involving other parties? One should not think that one can pull strings and get their way, or try to pull their weight around, even if pulling such strings or weight would be not right or unjust. After all, surely some things could be granted after proper verification, and certain things cannot be granted, lest the trust concerning such things would be broken, should such demands be given in to.Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-45765820512690065652018-10-14T23:07:00.000+08:002020-08-31T09:38:31.006+08:00Much Ado About Nothing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I sometimes wonder whether some of us are jumping into conclusions so quickly without reading what was actually written or listening carefully to what was actually said. Do we assume that we know what was written or said, without verifying the actual and real meaning of what was written or said? It seems easy to come up with our own interpretations, but how many of us are willing to take the trouble to find out and be clear about what was written or said?<br />
<br />
For example, when we say "John kicked the bucket," some of us may immediately jump into conclusion that John died. But does the sentence "John kicked the bucket" have only one meaning? Have we ever considered that such a phrase could mean something else; such as John had accidentally kicked the bucket or that he had kicked the bucket by accident, as the bucket was lying around and he had not seen it? Or perhaps John was not in a very good mood, and to let out some frustration, he kicked the bucket which happened to be at the right place at the right time? So as we can see, what was said or written may not necessarily be what we think.<br />
<br />
Even in matters of faith and church, it is always good to be clear about what was actually written or said, since sometimes even the smallest matter could be blown up into a big issue or blown out of proportion, just because some had not taken the effort to read or listen carefully to what was written or said. For example, an announcement is made advising people not to feed their children during Mass, since there ought to be a proper time and place to do so, but some seem to interpret such an announcement as if the church is forbidding parents from feeding their children in any circumstances. Then some such persons begin to say that the church is being insensitive or not caring, but if we consider what was said, did the announcement state that parents were not allowed to feed their children at any time, whereas the church had mentioned that during Mass, children should not be fed? After all, if one could show decorum and respect when one is in a banquet in the presence of some VIP (Very Important Person) or even royalty, surely one could show some decorum and respect in the presence of the King of kings at Mass?<br />
<br />
So let us make effort not to jump into conclusions so easily, and find out and be clear about what was actually said or written, since what was written or said could jolly well be quite different from what we think. After all, it is better to be clear about the fact of the matter, rather than to end up being misinformed or even unnessarily agitated over a matter which may merely be a figment of our imagination.Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-28316029146675470852018-09-08T04:26:00.004+08:002018-10-24T06:41:17.195+08:00Parking or Hogging? That is the Question!<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="4i8lo-0-0"><span data-text="true">I believe several parishes have got a big problem which seems not so easy to solve. Some of you may be wondering... what sort of big problem am I talking about? While there are different kinds of problems we face in a parish, one that seems pertinent is the big problem about car parking. Why is car parking considered a big problem? Allow me to elaborate.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ejdhj-0-0"><span data-text="true">We know that not many parishes are blessed with sufficient parking space, and from time to time, we come across certain folks who seem to not know how to park their car properly; or they can't find space to park and so they double park or even triple park; or they simply park their car as if it is their grandfather's road. Some even park their car in front of other vehicles, and remain in their vehicle, possibly waiting for a family member to come, and when they are asked to move their vehicle, they show a sour face, scowling face or monkey face, as if moving their vehicle just a few meters away so that another vehicle could come out is such a difficult or painful thing.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="847n8-0-0"><span data-text="true">Then when the Mass is over and folks are exhorted to go forth in peace to love and serve the Lord, instead of having the presence of mind, or "cow sense," or even common sense; to remove their vehicle which could be blocking other vehicles, they dilly dally by chit chatting with other folks; or they go about in their involvement in other church activities; or some even walk to the shops nearby for breakfast or lunch, as it is convenient for them to go nearby instead of the "hassle" of driving out and going elsewhere. Sometimes, the vehicle of such folks could be just in front of them, and when irate owners of blocked vehicles begin to blast the horn, such folks carry on doing their thing as if everything was ok, or they pretend to not know or "buat tak tau," or they even give a dirty or disgusted look, as if they are not in the wrong.</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="847n8-0-0"><span data-text="true">When such folks do such things, what happens? Other folks who need to drive off may find their vehicles stuck, blocked by the vehicles of such folks. Then what happens? Instead of going forth to love and serve the Lord, as what the priest exhorts at the end of the Mass, folks end up fighting, arguing, cursing and quarrelling (sometimes even to the extent of using "flowery language") over a simple matter of just removing one's vehicle after Mass and re-parking it elsewhere, so that the vehicle does not obstruct other vehicles.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="847n8-0-0"><span data-text="true">So the question we need to ask ourselves is this: have some of us become so self-centred and egoistic, not bothered about others, and only wanting convenience and benefits for oneself and perhaps for one's family? What sort of Christian example are we showing when what is supposed to be a simple matter such as parking becomes a sore issue, which causes other faithful to unnecessarily sin due to the selfishness and couldn't care less attitude of certain folks?</span></span></div>
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Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-83593561673471904192018-09-07T09:09:00.002+08:002018-11-30T06:51:12.037+08:00Making Time or Demanding Time?<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwZrtulU9uI/W5IzRbfh3TI/AAAAAAAABcw/Txrbqhe-lcglKrStpH_QDr5JUw9Bcs1agCLcBGAs/s1600/whiterabbittimegiclee_def4b2a4-befd-4353-b854-e3e8d7aecaaf_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="600" height="187" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwZrtulU9uI/W5IzRbfh3TI/AAAAAAAABcw/Txrbqhe-lcglKrStpH_QDr5JUw9Bcs1agCLcBGAs/s200/whiterabbittimegiclee_def4b2a4-befd-4353-b854-e3e8d7aecaaf_grande.jpg" width="200" /></a>Some people can be strange creatures... first they ask for the priest to come to their house for house blessing, then when the priest is free to come on a weekday, either morning or noon or, where necessary, in the evening, such folks then say they are not free on weekdays. Then such folks say that they are only free on weekends, and some even say only towards the evening on weekends.<br />
<br />
Then when the priest tells them that the weekend is a busy time for priests, as there are weddings, funerals and weekend Masses, such folks rant and rave and complain beyond complaining that the priest is not fair, or too busy for them, or not sensitive to their needs. When the priest is free to come to bless their house, they say it is not convenient for them, then when the priest is not free to come on a weekend for their convenience, they blame the priest for not making time for them.<br />
<br />
Surely when it comes to house blessing, one should make effort to be available on a weekday, even if it is in the morning, noon or evening, instead of only wanting thing's according to one's convenience or according to one's way. This same scenario also applies to marriage preparation, where some couples seem so busy, that they seem "married" to their jobs. This makes me wonder... if a couple cannot find time for marriage preparation and to meet the priest for an interview, then how are they going to survive in their marriage?<br />
<br />
Besides, if you think about it, if one's loved one or family member is elderly and sick, or in hospital, or requires confession and anointing of the sick, would one conveniently insist on having such anointing of the sick only on weekends? Surely one would do one's best to get the priest to give anointing of the sick as quickly as possible. If one could be so "hardworking" in getting the priest to give anointing of the sick as soon as possible, then why can't one be just as "hardworking" in making oneself available for house blessing and other matters?<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, there needs to be some compromise and understanding on the availability of the priest for house blessing, marriage preparation, and other matters. Remember that the world does not revolve only around certain persons, and that the priest has other matters to attend to. Are some becoming so self-centered and demanding, or have we learnt to be more charitable and amicable in our attitudes, behaviour and conduct?</div>
Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-21380898878362008452018-08-24T10:58:00.001+08:002018-09-13T11:36:06.491+08:00Decorum and Civilised Attitude and Behaviour: Gone with the Wind?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lately, I have noticed how some people behave at or near coffee
shops. The coffee shop is quite full at the time of the day, and I see
people hovering near other patrons, waiting for the opportunity to
pounce on a table, and then suddenly, someone sneezes without bothering
to cover the mouth. Also, some patrons get up and just walk away without
pushing the chair or stool back towards the table. Near the coffee
shop, someone spits on the ground with a loud and disgusting "haak kaaa<span class="text_exposed_show">hpuui!"
On the ground near the coffee shop, there are food containers with
leftovers strewn all over the ground, as if someone did not have the
time or decency to throw it properly into a rubbish bin.</span><br />
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Sometimes, we even see such behaviour too in church. People let their
children eat in church and sometimes even adults too grab a bite,
sometimes even while Mass is on, and sometimes even food is spilled on
the pews; some even throw used tissue paper on the floor; some put on
extremely strong perfume, causing others to suffocate or even sneeze, and once again
without covering their mouth; I have even seen certain folks digging
their noses for gold or do some other disgusting stuff. At the car park,
some are so inconsiderate in the way they park their cars, causing
congestion, anger and sometimes even shouting matches; and at times,
even park right in front of the priest car, and when the priest asks the
person to move his or her car so that the priest could drive out, the
person gives the priest a dirty look or shows monkey face or a sour face. Even at
catechism classes, we sometimes come across certain impatient parents
who want their children taken out earlier so that the family could go
somewhere else, possibly for a trip or shopping, or even for tuition
class or some other extracurricular activities.<br />
<br />
This makes me
wonder: have some become so uncivilised or so uncouth that one can litter, spit,
sneeze or do other disgusting stuff, without the least bit bothered
about cleanliness and decorum? Have some begun to treat church as merely
an obligation, and have become indifferent or insensitive towards
decorum and decency? Has faith become so inconvenient for some, so much
so that catechism becomes a chore or a hassle?<br />
<br />
At the end of the
day, such lacklustre and recalcitrant attitude, behaviour and conduct may lead only to
selfishness, indifference or even lost of faith. Our attitude and
behaviour are being observed especially by the younger generation, and
also by others exploring the faith, and I wonder whether some of us are
aware or even bothered about the kind of "witnessing" we are doing.
Perhaps we need to take initiative and remind ourselves of who we are
and how we should conduct ourselves, if we call ourselves brothers and
sisters in Christ, sons and daughters of God. Let us make every effort
to ensure our church remains a house of prayer, not a den of thieves,
and bear proper witness for His greater glory.</div>
Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-65726495645895013032018-08-22T18:42:00.002+08:002020-01-07T07:55:45.858+08:00Ramblings of a Parish Padre - Responsibility and Accountability<div class="_5pbx userContent _3ds9 _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_hf">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4tbmoGKeSg/W31ElpJm3eI/AAAAAAAABa0/XIrEyTHSa8scLJD42SGFbpHoKqVzWkOVQCLcBGAs/s1600/thoughts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="600" height="143" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4tbmoGKeSg/W31ElpJm3eI/AAAAAAAABa0/XIrEyTHSa8scLJD42SGFbpHoKqVzWkOVQCLcBGAs/s200/thoughts.png" width="200" /></a>Seriously
speaking, I do not wish to micro manage or keep on telling people what
to do, but there are times where the persons affected or involved are unable to
comprehend what they are supposed to do, or they seem to take quite some
time to grasp their duties and responsibilities, and despite several
attempts and reminders, mistakes are repeatedly made, incurring the
wrath of affected parties; or some seem to think that the church should
be lenient or some believe that compassion should be practised without
compromise, come what may.<br />
<br />
Also, finding persons willing and able
to get the task done effectively and efficiently is not easy,
especially when it comes to remuneration, where commercial rates are
asked, though the church collection does not make such commercial rates
viable. Besides, certain benefits that are to be expected in commercial
circles, may not be entirely possible when it comes to a church setting.
For example, how does the church deal with perks and bonuses demanded
by certain folks, where such perks and bonuses are possible in the
commercial world,<br />
<br />
Moreover, I sometimes end up having to tell
folks that a tree has grown too tall and should be trimmed, so that it
does not cause damage to the awning above, as if no one else seems to be
able to notice the offending tree involved; or certain facilities are
damaged or need to be replaced, but folks are not being proactive or
taking initiative or responsibility and informing the parish office; or
even the door of the restroom is damaged, and somehow I end up being the
one noticing it; or certain procedures are not being followed, and I
end up having to do damage control or calm things down, and suggest
solutions and viable alternatives.<br />
<br />
So, how does one let others do
their thing or maintain the status quo, when things are not being done properly in the first
place? Do we just let folks do what they can, and let things be, even if
it may cause neglect or serious problems at a later time? How do we
ensure that roles and responsibilities are observed well, when certain
parties are not "up to mark" so to speak, and finding "up to mark" folks
is certainly no easy task? It seems easier to adopt a <span class="st"><i>laissez</i>-<i>faire</i> approach, but would that be a right or just thing to do?</span><br />
<br />
Then when abuses, misconduct or
malpractices occur; or when situations get out of control due to too
much leeway or lack of accountability; who ends up taking the rap? Will
the bishop go after the other parties affected; or would certain parties
be willing to take responsibility and own up for what has come to pass?
Of course not! You and I know whose head ends up on the "chopping
block,"<br />
<br />
The parish priest is the administrator and spiritual
leader of a parish. Both areas need to be handled, and one cannot just
focus on one, to the detriment of the other. If certain folks are
consistently and faithfully doing their part, and doing it well, then
certainly that would be a great help. But the reality is, not many of us
are blessed to have such great help. So, though I may sound like a
broken record or appear to be the "bad guy," it is not because I relish
doing so. In a perfect world, everyone should be responsible, effective,
efficient and dedicated, or as previously mentioned, "up to mark," but
do we live in such a utopia?</div>
Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-69653154877470439062018-06-15T10:50:00.000+08:002018-09-13T11:36:37.117+08:00Procrastinate At Your Peril<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="73e0b-0-0"><span data-text="true">Father... please... hurry... come quickly... my mom/dad/whoever is in critical condition... doctors are saying she/he may not make it... she/he needs anointing... please help...</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="klag-0-0"><span data-text="true">Such a scenario happens every once in a while and when asked when did the person begin having such a serious condition and/or is bedridden, or was warded in a hospital, the answer is sometimes: "Oh... about 2 weeks ago," or "warded last week," or "quite some time back."</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6am8s-0-0"><span data-text="true">Then when asked, "why did you not ask for the priest to come earlier, so that the person could have his/her confession heard, and then receive the sacrament of anointing and where possible, the Eucharist, some become emotional and blame the priest for being insensitive, or for not being caring or concerned. Some even think that the priest is to be called only when the last rites are to be performed, and calling the priest early would seem like taboo, or "pantang larang" (Malay word for "taboo"), or as if it were a death sentence for the person involved, or something undesirable unless absolutely necessary.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bmd6d-0-0"><span data-text="true">But the reality is this: when something important occurs, would one wait till the last minute then only do something about it? For example, if one has a toothache, one would not wait till the the pain becomes worse or even excruciating, then only go to see a dentist. Likewise, when one discovers that one has got a disease which has not yet reach a critical level, one would not hesitate to seek early treatment to improve one's chances of survival. When we have an exam coming up, we would not wait till the last minute to study and prepare for it. Also, when one discovers that one had left the fire on at the stove or the tap on at home, after coming out of the house and driven a short distance away, one would quickly drive back to the house to switch off the fire or the tap to prevent disaster from happening, or ending up with a hefty water bill.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dplng-0-0"><span data-text="true">If we can take precautions for such situations and many more, then surely we ought to take precautions and inform the priest early, so that the priest could provide the necessary pastoral care to the person while there is time and opportunity to do so. When we procrastinate and delay in seeking the priest, are we possibly jeopardising the person's spiritual well-being and putting the Lord to the test? Thus, let us not wait till the last minute, since by then, it may be too late.</span></span></div>
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Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-62318106128180331712018-04-30T07:08:00.002+08:002018-10-17T06:46:13.243+08:00Art Thou Rumour Mongering?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One day, I was on my way to the sacristy to vest for Mass. An old
lady came running to me with a concerned look on her face. I was quite
taken aback to see such an elderly lady running in this way, and I
motioned her to slow down, lest she hurt herself or even trip and fall. She looked like she was in her late 70's and even then could sprint pretty fast.<br />
<br />
The lady took a few deep breaths and said in an excited and exasperated
tone: "Father aaa... I heard you are going to be transferred to another
parish. Really ah?" I looked at the lady with amusement, say<span class="text_exposed_show">ing:
"Really? How come I didn't know about it?" The lady exclaimed with much consternation: "But I
heard the news from so and so, and so and so heard from so and so, and
so and so claims to have heard it from a reliable source. Is it true?
Are you going away?" I responded: "Did so and so get the news from the
Archbishop?" "I don't know wor..." came the reply. So I said: "Why not
ask so and so to see me, and then we make a call to the Archbishop to
verify. Want?" The lady, with an uncomfortable look on her face said,
"Better not wor... afterwards he scold us for wasting his time. He so
busy wan." I chuckled and said: "Next time, don't just believe
everything you hear lah. If the news does not come from a reliable
source, or through proper channels, with proper announcements made,
don't just take other people's words for it." The lady looked sheepishly
and said: “Ok lor." Then she went off her merry way.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
While watching the lady scoot off, I prayed that she had learnt her
lesson and not just believe everything she hears, and then start
spreading such fake news or even lies. This incident reminded me of another incident where a parishioner called me on the handphone and his voice sounded quite distraught. I asked him what the matter was, and he exclaimed: "Oh dear! Oh dear! oh dear! I just got news that Fr. so and so has passed away." I smiled, and sighed, replying: "Don't worry... Fr. so and so is still very much alive. I am sitting next to his bed and he is still breathing and moving." The parishioner was stunned to hear such news, and he apologised quickly before terminating the call.<br />
<br />
So what do these incidences tell us? It reminds us of the need to be vigilant and careful in
discerning what we hear, and only share such news if it is proven
beyond reasonable doubt that it is true. May we watch our tongue and check our facts and sources thoroughly, so that what we share is true, lest we get caught embarrassing ourselves unnecessarily.</div>
Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-16162898824778189102018-03-30T12:17:00.002+08:002018-08-22T07:33:50.856+08:00A Complainer or a Contributor Art Thou?I sometimes wonder whether some of us are complainers or contributors. It seems easy and convenient to complain and demand many things from the church, especially where one’s convenience or comfort is at stake, and some even seem to have a sense of entitlement to various services and assistance that the church, in their mind, is expected to offer. But how many of us are contributing a fair and just share for the growth and mission of the church?<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ox-MqKuwT8/Wr28a1S70yI/AAAAAAAABRU/T525XdABwJU99HYXNDAekjZp_eyPYw5NQCLcBGAs/s1600/Complaining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="500" height="116" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ox-MqKuwT8/Wr28a1S70yI/AAAAAAAABRU/T525XdABwJU99HYXNDAekjZp_eyPYw5NQCLcBGAs/s200/Complaining.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
For example, every once in a while, I hear of complains that the church toilet is dirty or some part is damaged, but how many are willing to help maintain proper cleanliness; or contribute to the cost of ensuring that the toilets are clean or even to the cost for repairs to be made? Some also complain that the weather is so hot, and that the church should be air-conditioned, but when such persons are asked whether they would be willing to contribute to the purchasing, maintenance, repairs and other expenses such as electricity for such air-conditioning to function reliably, such persons all of a sudden become mute or try to change the topic. Some even expect anything and everything concerning church to be free of charge, even though it is obvious that there are many kinds of expenses which need to be paid and money does not fall from the sky.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u83eK2h5w7E/Wr27ojgol6I/AAAAAAAABRM/2If3TkG8kEAQOCPDgytfzQnNtzjpYdWIQCLcBGAs/s1600/static1.squarespace.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u83eK2h5w7E/Wr27ojgol6I/AAAAAAAABRM/2If3TkG8kEAQOCPDgytfzQnNtzjpYdWIQCLcBGAs/s200/static1.squarespace.com.jpg" width="200" /></a>Also, I wonder whether there are some who are shirking in their duty and responsibility in offering a fair and just contribution for the upkeep of the parish. For example, supposing a parish has 10,000 parishioners, and supposing 5,000 are working adults (for the sake of simplification, students and those who are retired are not included, though if they are willing and able to help, then praise the Lord). Supposing each individual who is working contributes RM10 per month (not even a week, just a month, and what's more, what is RM10? For a person who has a salary of RM1,000, RM10 is only 1%. For those who happen to take home a much larger salary, RM10 is a mere pittance compared to what some seem to own, such as a fancy car, a big house, some luxurious club membership; branded clothes, bags and other accessories; holidays to exotic destinations; or even the latest and greatest gadget or gizmo). If everyone were to contribute a fair and just share, the parish ought to be having about RM50,000 (or more) a month in contributions for various parish expenses and mission efforts. But the reality is, how many of our parishes do get such contributions each month? Or have some persons become so used to conveniently offering pittance (some don’t even bother to contribute anything), instead of giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God?<br />
<br />
So what does this tell us? Complaining is easy. People can demand the sky for their benefit, comfort and convenience. But how many are willing and generous in contributing fairly and justly for the good of all? Remember that money does not grow on trees, and just as funds are needed to support yourself and your loved ones, funds as also needed for various needs in a parish. Are you willing to be a generous and willing contributor, for the good of all?Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-53203668628130879602018-02-02T16:46:00.003+08:002021-08-22T11:27:09.977+08:00Watch What Thou Sayest<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z03UvW89OmA/Wu5Osvq6MYI/AAAAAAAABWk/4vpqmlNdUZIP-ymTKRvMkH0TCCau51GlACLcBGAs/s1600/Discrimination-horizontal-704x350.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="704" height="159" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z03UvW89OmA/Wu5Osvq6MYI/AAAAAAAABWk/4vpqmlNdUZIP-ymTKRvMkH0TCCau51GlACLcBGAs/s320/Discrimination-horizontal-704x350.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We sometimes assume that
certain folks do not understand what we say, especially when we use a foreign
language in their presence. This sometimes happens when we are in the company
of friends or acquaintances who belong to the same ethnic group as we do, and
some of us find it easier or more comfortable conversing in the language of
that ethnic group. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, few
would expect an Englishman these days, who has been residing in London for most
of his life, to be able to speak Bahasa Malaysia or the Malay language. But
sometimes, what we assume may not necessarily be true, and we may end up
embarrassed or red-faced.<br />
<br />
One day, two students from Malaysia, studying at a University in London, were
riding on a bus from their apartment some distance away from the university to
a supermarket to purchase some supplies. When the bus arrived at a certain
stop, an Englishman boarded the bus. The two Malaysians were seated near the
centre of the bus, and as the Englishman walked past them to take a seat at the
back of the bus, one student remarked to the other: “tengok itu babi lalu?”
(Translated as “look at that pig passing by” and it was a derogatory statement
towards the Englishman). The Englishman did not say anything as he walked past,
took a seat near the back of the bus and sat down, and the bus moved on.
Throughout the journey, the two students continued to make unbecoming comments
towards people of other ethnic groups, especially those among their peers and even
among their classmates. They even giggled at some of the comments uttered.
Occasionally, they would glance at the other passengers in the bus to see if
anyone could understand what they were saying. It is as if they got a thrill or
kick out of saying such things, thinking that there would not be any responses
or repercussions from others in the bus, since there seemed to be no one else
in the bus that looked like they came from Malaysia or even Indonesia.<br />
<br />
At a certain location, the Englishman got up and rang the bell, as he wanted to
alight from the bus. To the utter shock, surprise and embarrassment of the two
Malaysians, the Englishman said to them as he passed by: “tolong ke tepi, babi
nak lalu” (Translated as "please move aside, the pig wants to go past). This
is because the two Malaysians had partially blocked the centre aisle corridor
of the bus with some of their bags and packages. Apparently, the Englishman had
actually worked in Malaysia for several years and he had taken a keen interest
in the Malay language, making effort to learn the language so that he could converse
with the locals. Moreover, it seems that the Englishman was actually married to
a Malaysian of Peranakan descent (Peranakans are persons of mixed heritage,
especially of Chinese and Malay heritage), and his wife and he even taught
their children to speak Malay at home, so that they could converse in Malay
whenever they went back to Malaysia for a visit. Then the Englishman smirked
and got off the bus, as the two Malaysians looked on in disbelief and
exasperation.<br />
<br />
What can we learn from this incident? Never assume that others do not
understand what we say, especially when we use a foreign language in their
presence. After all, it seems not only rude, and lacking manners, etiquette and
decorum; we may find ourselves embarrassed and eating humble pie, when we
discover that the person actually understood what we were saying. This is also
the case in church, when we are in the presence of faithful from other ethnic
groups, especially during certain activities or functions. May we be mindful
and respectful of what we say in the presence of others and show good example
to all.</span></p>
Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-21059678767918005382018-01-05T11:36:00.001+08:002018-05-08T10:20:06.748+08:00Art Thou Reckless?<span data-offset-key="3st1t-0-0"><span data-text="true">Nowadays, I see more and more people driving at high speeds, especially on the highway (North-South highway, LEKAS highway (some of the many highways in Malaysia), doesn't matter. You get Formula-1 wannabes). The speed limit is 90 Km/h or 110 Km/h, depending on which highway one is using, but these people seem to be going much faster than the speed limit. Sometimes, you get drivers who cut across from the left lane, right to the centre lane and to the right lane - almost in one motion, as if they are doing "sapu jalan tepi ke tepi" (driving the car as if sweeping the road sideways, in case you do not know the Malay language).</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="7c7dc-0-0"><span data-text="true">Why do people need to do such dangerous things on the road? Perhaps they are in a hurry; perhaps they want to show how canggih or sporty their vehicle is; perhaps they are suffering from acute diarrhoea and they need to get to the toilet quickly before they explode in their pants; or perhaps some people have become more impatient, possibly due to the impact technology has on our lives and being quick, being fast seems a necessity.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5J3yR5k5mM/Wk7yLkoNcMI/AAAAAAAABPI/aNQHAUhSeO0luTc22xPd6_akFMamkoSowCLcBGAs/s1600/27022011142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5J3yR5k5mM/Wk7yLkoNcMI/AAAAAAAABPI/aNQHAUhSeO0luTc22xPd6_akFMamkoSowCLcBGAs/s200/27022011142.jpg" width="200" /></a><span data-offset-key="3d937-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4fff7-0-0"><span data-text="true">When we are reckless on the road, accidents could happen. This picture I took while going to Jelebu to celebrate Mass at St. Augustine, a village church at Titi, is of a badly-damaged vehicle. This is a chilling example of what could happen.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="b95pl-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="21m08-0-0"><span data-text="true">Accidents could also happen to our souls, especially if we are reckless in the way we live. If we commit sins and refuse to be regular in our confession, then we could be reckless in our relationship with God. We do not know when we are going to "balik kampung" (depart from this world). Let us not wait until it is too late... Rather, let us strive to be closer to God and "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself."</span></span></div>
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Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-42121094435703870052017-11-23T16:57:00.001+08:002018-03-25T16:34:47.935+08:00Oops! A Boo Boo in What Was Said<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wE1ClaGGoPU/WhaOEJ0OASI/AAAAAAAABOo/HssS57TngMM7c7v-O0gibxKyvIObn2lvACLcBGAs/s1600/shock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="600" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wE1ClaGGoPU/WhaOEJ0OASI/AAAAAAAABOo/HssS57TngMM7c7v-O0gibxKyvIObn2lvACLcBGAs/s200/shock.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
One day after celebrating the morning Mass, a couple approached me
and asked me to pray over them because it was their wedding anniversary.
The wife requested me to pray especially for her because they were
already married for 5 years, and despite many attempts, they had not been able to conceive. I
prayed over them as requested, and wished them all the best.<br />
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Then one day, after about five
months, I was invited to a party. I was having a chat with some people,
when a woman approached me, with a noticeable bump in the "oven". The woman was the one I had prayed over, <span class="text_exposed_show">and
she excitedly said to me: “Father, thank you so much. You know, because
of you I am pregnant already!” Straight away, the people near me were
shocked, some of their jaws even dropped, some with eyes bulging, there were even some gasps audible, when they heard such startling news.
I looked at the woman in disbelief and bewilderment, and fortunately for me, the woman, horrified upon realising her carelessness in what she had just said, promptly and quickly
explained to them that she and her husband had asked me to pray for them
to have a child, and that they had successfully conceived. Upon hearing
the woman's explanation, the people around laughed, some sighed in relief, and we continued
enjoying the party and each others' company.</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
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When you come to think about it. we sometimes get into misunderstanding
and misconceptions, when we are not careful with words and deeds.
Sometimes, our poor choice of words or unwise actions could even cause
unnecessary problems for others, or even put them in a spot. May we watch what we say or do, since
words once said, or actions once taken, may not be so easily retracted.</div>
Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-53262551756254885362017-11-18T11:21:00.001+08:002018-10-24T06:41:40.911+08:00什么是圣人?当我们还是学童时,所接触到的圣人故事,几乎都把圣人摆在一个超乎常人的层次。他们都有异常优良的品行,有的甚至从小就具备了。也有少数的大半辈子就如我们常人一般。然而,就在一个特殊的时刻(通常是很戏剧性的一个,牵涉到一个预像,甚至有可能是被天主摔下马),他们的品行就从此变得超好。 <br />
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神迹的发生、英雄事迹和探险故事,不时都显得有趣,但有一点可以确定的是:圣人们都和我们常人不一样。 <br />
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在第二次梵蒂冈大公会议后,强调了讲道必须以圣言为基础,通常占据一个中心点的圣人们退出了讲道活动。同时,减少了使用教会日历,使得一些天主教徒相信,圣人们都不再重要了。他们已不再是新式天主教教义的核心。 <br />
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当然,圣人一直以来都是天主教教义的核心(对东正教而言也是如此)。要了解他们的地位,我们应看看他们是如何在教会里占有一席之地,而更加重要的是他们对于我们现今生活有何意义。<br />
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ALL BAPTIZED TO BE SAINTS 凡受洗的皆可成圣 <br />
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凡加入基督徒团体的人,以及尝试活出耶稣生活、死亡及复活之成果的人,圣保禄皆称他们为圣。保禄写信给不同教会的“圣人们”,就是他所谓的任何受洗于耶稣的生活及死亡的人。在保禄的看法中,圣人就是那些被圣化的人。 <br />
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保禄和其他早期的基督徒不断的写信、思考,及利用大部分的时间祈祷有关基督来临的意义,因为在当时他们全心期待耶稣将会很快地再次降临。 <br />
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这就是为什么保禄宗徒选择了独身主义,同时也是为何他不鼓励奴隶寻求自由。为何要如此劳神呢?就在任何时刻,天主永恒的王国将在基督光荣来临时成立。如果世界将如此继续下去,为何要结婚生子呢?当奴隶及主人都将面对凯旋归来的基督,而祂将转化所有的关系成为充满爱和宇宙化的生活,为何还要在乎自己奴隶的身份呢? <br />
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MARTYRS 殉道圣人 <br />
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早期的教会后来才开始明了基督的归来,并不会如他们所想的那样快就会发生。同期的罗马帝国视基督徒为社会安定的威胁。一些有关基督徒的传闻是真的:他们的确有说奴隶和主人是同等的,女人和小孩不是男人的附属品。而另一些传言却不是真的:基督徒被指责施行人类祭献、乱伦和食用人肉。 <br />
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随着很多的基督徒被囚禁起来,不少正直的男人及女人因此殉道,自我觉悟的基督徒教会进入了新的阶段。那些有关耶稣的生活与勇气,以及对祂复活所带来的希望,同时启示了基督徒及非基督徒。虽然不足以说他们见证了这个信仰(但他们的确做到了)。他们显示了他们如耶稣一样,奉献一生于天主,甚至达到了那种可导致死亡的信赖程度。 <br />
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每一位基督徒都立志要对自己的信仰衷心。他们的诚心都被考验,并且皆通过了。他们就是基督临在于团体的象征。 <br />
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教会开始在圣道礼仪中追思那些殉道的弟兄姐妹。(这也是把圣人的名字归入弥撒规范里的习惯的开始。) <br />
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刚开始并没有正式的过程以册封圣人。当地的教会各自纪念他们的殉道圣人。过后在较大型的教会就会祭奠区域性的殉道者。渐渐地就形成了现今册封圣人的过程。 <br />
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EXAMPLES OF WHOLE-HEARTEDNESS全心全意的典范 <br />
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遭受迫害的时期结束后,基督化的教导就正式被接纳为一种宗教。 <br />
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在那同时,越来越多的男男女女相信,要和主的全心相遇,不能在市区里找到,他们开始单独的或组成小组的去到沙漠,只为全身投入与祈祷。这就是修会的形成,而那原本只是平信徒的活动。(主教们看到修士们的全心投入,常常因此想要压迫他们更加活跃地服务教会。这使得当时领先的一位修会会长CASSIAN 写道:“修士该当避开主教和女人,因为两者都会导致他不得安宁。) <br />
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在沙漠中的修士们提供了教会另一种全心全意的模范:那就是弃绝此生的一切身外之物,尽其所能地全神贯注于天主的临在。 <br />
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当这些在沙漠的神父和姆姆的生活与教导开始有了成果,他们也开始被看待成圣人。渐渐地也可看到,要全心奉献于主是可以有很多方式的。不论是平信徒、教士、男人、女人,结了婚或单身,贫穷或富有,都可以尝试。但要注意的是,这往往都会导致富人们把他们大部分的财物捐献出去。 <br />
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在这些必须性的简化叙述之下,我们可以看到圣人的概念是如何在初期教会形成。从任何一位受洗者,到一个人的死亡,可以被证明他就如我们被要求的那样衷心,又或者是某人的一生可以展现出那种全心全意。 <br />
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当教会开始接纳“挂名的基督徒”,也就是那些半衷心的人,而他们成为基督徒的原因都是模糊及复杂的,就成了需要指出那些人的基督性是真实和衷心的了。在这个过程中,可清楚地看出,不止有单一的方式可事奉天主。 <br />
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THE ONLY REAL HUMAN 唯一真实的人类 <br />
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ST ATHANASIUS 写道:“主降生成人,为使人可近似主”。这是一个触目惊心的说法。但就如圣保禄所说的那样,“我活着,却不是因为我,而是那活在我内的基督”。或如圣若望所说的,圣言使他的追随者“有力量成为天主的孩子”。或如耶稣,祈求祂和祂的跟随者可以和天父合一。 <br />
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有时我们会受惑去思考有关藤与树枝的言论,这不过是一系列美好比喻中的其中之一。其实圣言和教会的传统是非常明确的。天主的生命提供了给我们,那原是无限的,却被我们的忘恩负义设限了。我们可自由地拒绝它,或半情愿地接受它。 <br />
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厄则克尔先知讲述了天主圣承诺:“为消除你的铁石心肠,并给你一颗有血肉的心”。我们认为圣人都是不同凡响的人类,甚至超越凡人。但在厄则克尔先知的光照之下,我们可能会怀疑他们不是真的人类,而我们就有如胚胎一样,也不算是个完整的人类。我们是在一种半清醒的状态,并且冷漠无情,天主到底对我们人类有何打算呢?<br />
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THEY KEPT TRYING 他们不断地尝试 <br />
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然而,我们感觉到有种隔阂:我们该如何成为那样子呢?之前我曾说过,圣人看起来都异常地好。我认为我们对圣人的印象都被美化了,起用意是为启发我们,而事实上这样的帮助不大。 <br />
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它的帮助不大,举例来说,圣人从不感到内疚、羞耻或对自己的过错感到极度不安。 <br />
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知道圣女小德兰有忧郁症的事实,是相当有帮助的。她时常认为她所相信的一切都是幻觉。圣人常被怀疑、忧郁、在祈祷中分心、愤怒和大动肝火等问题缠身。(有时甚至是对另一位圣人如此,如刁钻古怪的圣耶肋米,就称圣奥斯定为努米底亚蚂蚁)。 <br />
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能使他们成圣的原因,不是因为他们一直有良好的行为,而是他们忠心地成为天主的仆人,是那种愿意把圣洗圣事看待得非常重要的态度。当他们感到自己不够忠心,并只有少数能时常感到自己的忠心时,他们就不断的努力,相信天主会补助他们的不足。 <br />
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SAINTS AND SINNERS 圣人与罪人 <br />
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圣人都曾犯罪。重要的是我们该知道这一点。当我们读到亚西西的方济各认为自己是个大罪人时,我们会认为那是个不切实际的谦逊。但方济各的确是忠于事实:和天主无限的慷慨仁慈相比,只会让我们显得冷酷及卑鄙。 <br />
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这不是(如一些人所想的那样)因为我们为了金钱而出卖灵魂,那是因为天主的仁慈是那么的无限,如何事物与祂相比都会显得狭小,直到它能反映出主的荣耀。伯多禄对耶稣说:“主,我是个罪人,请远离我!”但他不是因为洞悉自己的罪而那样说,而是经历了主所展现的恩赐-当他的鱼获几乎把网给撑爆了。 <br />
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当然,也有很多圣人并没有被册封。我们当中可能也认识一些。重点是别把圣人当成是不平凡的基督徒,而是认真看待基督教的基督徒。 <br />
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我们全都被召叫成圣,我们全部都可以成圣。圣保禄所带来的讯息,运用在现在的人们身上,仍可算是事实:圣人就是那些被人圣化的人。我们通过祈祷和圣事,还有基督教的工程,就是接纳天主生命的恩赐,并用我们全部的生命来回应祂。 <br />
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Communion of saints 诸圣相通功 <br />
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最后一点:非天主教徒对于我们向圣人祈祷的事感到困扰。对他们来说,几乎就是崇拜偶像。我们不是该当直接向天主祈祷吗?这不就是把人类神化了、向他们祈祷吗?这可不是小小异议。 <br />
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在这里可以提出几个观点。其中之一就是天主教徒没有义务向任何圣人祈求,当然我们该向天主祈祷。 <br />
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当我们向圣人祈祷时,其实是在请求圣人向天主为我们代祷。这和我请求你为我代祷一样平常不过的事。这也是我们所谓的诸圣相通功。我们可以请求圣人代祷,就如我们可以请求大家互相代祷,因为我们相信他们还活着。 <br />
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当被人询问为何可以轻易地讲述亚巴郎或其他长老时,耶稣回答说:“他不是死人的,而是活人的天主。”圣人是活的-他们就是活着的最终答案。 <br />
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Canonization册封圣人 <br />
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册封仪式是教会当局隆重的宣布,把一位已逝教友尊封为圣,并有节日、弥撒和职务来纪念。 <br />
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在早期的教会,受欢迎的称誉,将决定谁可封为圣人。在第六世纪和第十世纪之间,因为圣人不断地增加和许多的不确定性,主教们开始插手和规定册封的程序。在973年就出现了第一个由教宗发出的正面证明册封的文件。 <br />
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在现今的罗马天主教会,册封圣人是教宗的个自行动,必须经过复杂的调查过程。 <br />
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对东正教而言,恭敬圣人是由自治教会的主教团所授权的。不过就算没有正式的授权,也是可以接受新的圣人。Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669487650009193010.post-77962046434103427712017-11-08T03:24:00.000+08:002018-10-24T06:41:53.793+08:00做刻苦和弃绝自己:确定与否? 我觉得对一些教友特别是在封斋期和星期五所实行的所谓做刻苦和弃绝自己一事感到非常可笑。有些教友认为每星期五不吃肉就是该善功的好榜样;更有一些认为,让自己在某程度上沦为潦倒无助,或是做了各种各样的牺牲,就可以讨的天主的欢心。你认为类似情况就是做刻苦和弃绝自己的行径吗?难道这种善功是拿来开玩笑?<br />
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让我先澄清我没有反对自我刻苦和弃绝自己的行径。我要提醒大家,实行自我刻苦和弃绝自己的善功,不要像在演戏那样,做个别人看,更不是自我安慰地满足自己的欲望,而是要发自内心深处,真正的忏悔己罪。<br />
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到底自我刻苦和弃绝自己的真正意义在哪里?请参阅玛16:24,耶稣说,“谁若愿意跟随我,该弃绝自己,背着自己的十字架来跟随我。”主耶稣告诉我们最终所做的一切事情,不应该是以自己的议程或是兴趣的驱使;反而要弃绝一切罪过,邪恶,骄傲,自私自利的行为,更不能为了显耀自己,要无条件地全心全意跟随祂。我们所付出的努力应该惠及大众和光荣天主;不是完成我们自己的意愿而是遵照天主的计划而进行。<br />
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总而言之,我们应该相信,期望,和高高兴兴地跟随主耶稣,更不惜付出任何代价,在任何困境和艰难中坚信祂一定会引领我们更接近祂。我们是否愿意放下一切疑惑,欲望和需要,让祂真正成为我们生命中的唯一供给者?有人认为那是不可能的,但是,天主想要的,那有不能实现的事! Fr. Andrew Kooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724195868019984898noreply@blogger.com0