A Foolproof Investment

With the financial crisis, it is evident now that there is no foolproof investment... in the material world.

Fortunately, in the spiritual world, all investments are foolproof because they are not based on fallible human systems but an infallible divine system.

Invest time in prayer, almsgiving, penance, fasting, and especially in the Mass, where much spiritual graces are poured out not only for ourselves, but also our loved ones (both alive & deceased) - find out why I now try my very best to attend daily Mass here!

No doubt life still goes on as usual for me with the unavoidable ups and downs; but I now have invincible peace and expectant hope for my spiritual ROI!

"The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:8)

"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." (Hosea 10:12)

Commanded to Love?

Many find the seemingly obvious contradictions of Christianity baffling - one glaring example is the dichotomy between "Free Will" and "The Love Commandment".

According to the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, God created man with a free will. Yet Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to love God and their neighbors with all their heart!

Can one be ordered to love? Wouldn't this violate "Free Will"? Is "obligatory" love still love? Moreover, is it possible to love God in the first place since we have never met him?

Here's how Rev Fr Albert Renckens explained this apparent controversy:

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37-39)

Coping with an unfaithful spouse

I've personally witnessed the tragedies of a broken family, brought about by an unfaithful spouse. There is little on earth that is more unbearable than being betrayed by the one who was supposed to love you more than anyone else... And not forgetting the poor little ones who would grow up emotionally scarred by such unimaginable treason...

I could only pray for the family and lend a listening ear; no consolatory words could lift up any soul in such anguish.

But there is hope; in fact, there is always hope for nothing is impossible with God. The following are women who had hoped and eventually conquered their infidel husbands through their prayers, love and the amazing grace of God:

- St Rita of Cascia: St Rita won the heart of her unfaithful husband through 18 years of prayers and gentleness.

- St Monica of Hippo: Faced with an abusive and adulterous husband as well as a difficult mother-in-law, St Monica remained obedient and faithful, and eventually won their hearts.

- Blessed Elizabeth Canori Mora: Blessed Elizabeth responded to the physical and psychological violence of her husband with love and prayers for more than 20 years - shortly after her death, her husband was finally converted and even became a priest.

Let us share such stories to inspire the hopeless to hope for the impossible.

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Crucifixion Date: A Scientific Proof

One of the key events of Christianity that was widely debated for centuries was the Crucifixion because of contradictions in the Bible as well as lack of evidence in historical texts. Fortunately, with modern science and astronomy, the debate is now finally concluded!

Earlier this year just before Good Friday, I attended a most illuminating talk by Professor Colin J. Humphreys of Cambridge University on pinpointing the date of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Professor Humphreys was eloquent, engaging and most importantly, thorough and scientific in his approach.

I was deeply inspired because I now know the exact date of Christ's sacrifice for humanity: Friday, 3 April AD 33!

Though I have no access to his articles in Nature on this topic, I've found an online article that covered all his major findings here, which I believe, would greatly strengthen the historicity of Christianity.

My Calling My Mission

I strongly believe that my mission in life is to change the world through my writings because I have been blessed with both the talent and penchant for the written art.

Hence, I spend much time working on my blogs and articles, and many times I would get frustrated when "mundane" family obligations (eg. doing household chores, taking care of my boy, chauffeuring, etc.) take me away from my "noble" mission.

To be frank, there were times when I wish I were alone and free to focus on my work... It was a constant struggle for me because I knew deep in my heart that it was also my calling to be a good son, husband and father for my family.

Then I turned to God and prayed for guidance in doing His Will and He led me to stories of saints who did His Will in the most ordinary of circumstances, eg. Thérèse of Lisieux picking up a pin for the love of God, St Bernadette Soubirous grating carrots etc.

I finally understood the meaning of doing God's Will: it matters not what I do... what really matters is that I do what I am supposed to do with great love.

"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:32-33)

"Holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things. It consists in accepting, with a smile, what Jesus sends us. It consists in accepting and following the will of God." Blessed Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

Key to a Lasting Marriage

I've recently tried to help a couple improve their unhappy marriage. I shared my experience and knowledge in basic therapeutic concepts such as the Emotional Bank Account and the Five Love Languages.

The couple understood the concepts but both had the same knockout question: why must I take the initiative?

It was an understandable question since both of them were fed up with each other.

As they were both earnest Christians, I reminded them of their marriage vow and the sanctity of marriage; it was not an option but an obligation for them to do what they can to salvage their marriage.

They finally conceded, looked at each other, and promised to try loving each other more through the new concepts that they'd learnt.

I hope things would eventually work out... Through this brief session, I discovered the key to a lasting marriage - not mumbo-jumbo concepts/techniques but God; take God out of marriage and divorce becomes a tempting option...

"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matt 19:4-6)

"Marriage is an act of will that signifies and involves a mutual gift, which unites the spouses and binds them to their eventual souls, with whom they make up a sole family - a domestic church." - Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) 264th Pope

Hell: A Thorough Analysis

Nobody likes to talk about Hell and eternal damnation nowadays, not even from the pulpit - it's considered unpopular, unreal and outdated.

But I am going to write about it now... because whether we like it or not, whether we understand it or not, we can't change the reality of Hell.

I have done a thorough analysis of the arguments for and against Hell as well as review visions of Hell by mystics - my sobering conclusion (I personally don't like it but that doesn't change anything):

Hell exists and we have limited time to help ourselves and our loved ones avoid it through God's grace and sincere repentance.

But don't just take my word for it; take time to read, understand and analyse the evidence to sieve out the truth for yourself.

An Overview
You can find out the origins of the concept of Hell as well as beliefs of various religions on Hell here.

The Case Against Hell
One thorough Christian argument against Hell can be found here. Hell is denounced here through common sense and logic.

The Case for Hell
A detailed Biblical argument for Hell can be found here while official Catholic teachings can be found here. They both reveal weaknesses in the above case against Hell.

Visions of Hell
For me, the most convincing evidence for Hell lies not in arguments but in the vision of mystics who lived centuries apart but gave very similar minute descriptions of Hell:

• A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824)
• Vision of Hell by St Mary Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)
• First Secret of Fatima by Sr Lúcia de Jesus Rosa Santos (1907-2005)
• The Road to Hell by St John Bosco (1815-1888)
• Hell by John Bunyan (1628-1688)
• 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese
  

Rescued by Theology

I was recently marooned on the island of Doubt - the waves of Death, Suffering, Despair, Betrayal, Stress, Fatigue devastated my ship of Life even though it was fortified with Faith... And then, unsuspectingly, Theology (Reason illumined by Faith) came along and rescued me... for good.

Read about my story of enlightenment in the midst of trials and tribulations during the past 3 months here.

I've discovered that Faith and Reason must work hand in hand to ensure our happiness in this life and the next - if God wanted us to just believe blindly, He wouldn't have given us an intellectual and curious mind!

In fact, Reason proves that our Faith is the most logical thing of all and hence, it's also a great evangelisation tool! Check out the classic 5 proofs of God here:)

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any Catholic, not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false - St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Theologian

Happy New Day!

I'm sure most of us enjoyed the new year celebrations and somehow felt refreshed with a sense of profound hope - it would be difficult to remain indifferent in such an atmosphere of contagious joy and optimism.

We somehow perceive the new year as the beginning of a new chapter where we can finally banish the failures and regrets of the past year, and look forward to a clean start with an intense determination to make the year a better one.

I, too, experienced the magic of the new year... and a eureka-like thought came along: "If we celebrate each and every day as if it were a new day of the year, wouldn't we be fired up each and every day?"

"Give us today our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised." (Psalm 113:3)

Extreme Generosity

I must confess that I find it easier to buy my dream $600 smartphone than spend the same amount on charity or advancing God's Kingdom. It is always a tough struggle for me in deciding how best to spend money...

As I reflected on the meaning of Christmas, I discovered a generosity that is baffling and extreme: the gift of the baby Jesus. God spared nothing to bring us back to Him - what about our response? We deserved nothing but He gave His all; He deserved everything but we withheld much...

We cannot outdo God's generosity because there is nothing we have that does not come from Him. Let us pray to always remember God's extreme generosity so that we may be more generous with our love, time and money towards Him and our fellow sojourners.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

"Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

"He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly." (Acts 10:2)

The Anger Trilogy

I recently experienced the powerful grip of Anger in a trivial yet insightful incident - which I would share now in 3 parts which seems to be an interesting way of characterising the stages of Anger:

Part 1: The Trigger

On that fateful day at 5:42pm, I ran as fast as I could from my office to the bus-stop to catch the shuttle bus scheduled to arrive at 5:45pm. I had to skip the restroom despite receiving an urgent Nature's call because the bus usually arrives punctually.

I reached the bus-stop at 5:45pm sharp. There was no bus in sight. I gave a triumphant sigh of relief.

5:46pm: no bus in sight...

5:47pm: no bus in sight...

5:48pm: no bus in sight - I became slightly concerned that I could have missed the bus or it missed its schedule - previously, there were a couple of times when the driver simply skived (or at least I assumed he did when the bus didn't arrive)...

5:49pm: still no bus in sight! - I began the transformation into the "Incredible Hulk"...

Part 2: The Seizure

5:50pm: My transformation was complete. I was no longer in control...

5:51 - 5:58pm: I paced around the bus-stop like a madman with the words "I am really pissed, you better don't come near me" written all over my face. My mind was filled with nothing but thoughts of how to make an official complaint, how to get even with the irresponsible driver who caused me to waste my precious time!

5:59pm: I spotted the bus from a distance - it was arriving at its next scheduled time of 6pm. I quickly rehearsed my get-even script in my mind and when the bus stopped and its door opened, I got on to it and rattled off my script at breakneck speed... it mattered not that the driver was not the one scheduled to come at 5:45pm, it mattered not that the driver tried his best to explain, I kept at it until all my "ammunition" was used up...

Part 3: The Regret

6:01pm: After unleashing hell, I began the transformation back to nice "Bruce Banner".

6:02pm: I regained my composure...

6:03pm: I began to realise how senseless I was a moment ago, and how nasty I was when lashing out at the innocent driver:(

6:04pm: I realised that in my anger, I had also missed out an opportunity to help some people at the bus-stop; a guy and a lady were wondering about when the shuttle bus would come and how much they had to pay because they were new in the area. I noticed them but just couldn't bring out my usual friendly self from the monster...

~ THE END ~

Well, the above Trilogy wasn't original - it happened to me several times when Anger overwhelmed me but I was inspired to blog it this time round.

Here's a take-home message: you gotta stop Anger at the onset of Part 1 to prevent another tragic trilogy... check out anger management tips here!

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." (Proverbs 29:11)

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." (Matthew 5:21-22)

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." (Colossians 3:8)

Designed for Love

An old friend once asked me a simple yet intriguing question, "Is being unhappy considered discontentment or a lack of gratitude?"

The question seemed a bit awkward at first glance but in retrospect, I realised that the awkwardness matched the subject at hand perfectly: the uncanny elusiveness of human happiness.

In an instant, I texted her this answer with incredibly little thought: "A pen is happy only when used as a pen to write. An eagle is happy only when soaring high. There's your answer."

I guess the Holy Spirit must be guiding me...

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2)

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:12)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

A Lesson on Suffering

I watched helplessly as my father cringed, coughed and teared while the nurse tried with great difficulty to insert an NGT (Naso-Gastric Tube) through his nostril, down his throat and into his stomach.

Because the NGT kept moving in the wrong direction (out of his mouth rather than down his throat), it had to be inserted and retracted repeatedly for more than an hour, causing much pain and suffering to my father.

I could do nothing but pray and let him squeeze my hand in the hope of alleviating his pain to some degree...

I have read many Christian writings on suffering, understood its purpose and could even write/preach about it but such knowledge is absolutely useless in the face of suffering - I could not bear watching my father suffer and no theological mumbo-jumbo could take away the pain in my heart and stop me from asking "WHY?"...

My father suffered a massive stroke more than a year ago, and had to be fed through an NGT (needs replacement every 2 months) since then. I could not imagine myself enduring such suffering in exchange for a bedridden and passive life; he had to be clothed, bathed, cleaned and could not move half of his body; he could not express himself except through nodding and hand gestures. I would have probably starved myself to death for such apparently meaningless existence...

Though my father can't write nor speak, he had given me a most inspiring and enlightening lesson on the ageless paradox of human suffering and a loving God through his dignified composure.

No one can avoid suffering in life - I just hope I can be as strong as my father...

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17-18)

The Greatest Practical Lasting Pleasure

If you ask anyone what is life's greatest pleasure, it's likely you'll get one of the following answers (in one form or another): Love, Sex, Food, Wine, Work.

Well, the problem with the above list is that it's neither practical nor lasting, eg. love is far too abstract, you can't have sex 24/7, you gotta watch your waistline with food, wine needs appropriate times and environment, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...

Obtaining pleasure that is practical and lasting is certainly far more difficult than expected on deeeper introspection! But I believe I have found the elusive answer...

I believe the greatest practical lasting pleasure in life is to make a difference in someone's life. It doesn't have to be a earth-shattering difference - it is quality not magnitude that matters here.

It's practical because it can be done in several ways anywhere and anytime, limited only by our imagination: a simple smile, a kind gesture, a thoughtful word, a gracious act, an earnest prayer, a listening ear, a helping hand, a loving expression etc.

It's lasting because it's not based on our senses, feelings and circumstances but the ageless knowledge that we've brighten up the life of a fellow human being.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13)

Holy Entrepreneurship

I once read an article in the newspaper about how a young man taught himself how to make money from the internet. He had a day job but surfed the internet everyday from 11pm to 3am to figure out how to make money - he did this for 5 years and was eventually able to make real BIG money.

I was both inspired and ashamed; inspired by his tenacious drive, entrepreneurial spirit, and boundless energy - but ashamed that I didn't spend even a fraction of his effort in the mission that Christ has given me: to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20)

Just imagine if every Christian would make similar efforts to figure out how to evangelise creatively and effectively in this materialistic world... let's all cultivate in ourselves a spirit of Holy Entrepreneurship and spare no effort in building God's Kingdom!

Bust Lust to Dust

Lust is one capital sin that I've been struggling with for a long time... until I chanced upon True Knights, a lay apostolate dedicated to helping men break free from the slavery of lust.

Its website details 7 steps to freedom and purity, and tells the inspiring conversion story of its founder from promiscuous playboy to devoted Catholic.

I also recommend installing a internet filter too to protect yourself and your family from undesirable online materials - one free and effective filter can be found here.

Do not Judge!

I know what you're thinking: "It's easier said than done!"

Indeed, all of us are somehow born with invisible contact lenses that magnify the shortcomings of others while diminishing their strengths.

Here's one story that might help - the standard version (Judge Not) can be easily found via Google but here's my version - local style!

Judge Not (Singapore Version)

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
as I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the people in Heaven
who made me cannot tahan but complain -
the pirated DVD vendors, the rude drivers,
the illegal MP3 downloaders, Wi-Fi hijackers,
the shopoholics, the vain.

There stood the kid from primary school
who snatched my PSP twice.
Next to him was my old neighbour
who never said anything nice.

Mr I-got-5C-you-no-have, who I always thought
was being roasted in hell,
was relaxing in an OSIM uSpace,
on cloud nine, looking incredibly well.

I asked Jesus, "How come ah?"
Faster explain and justify too.
How did all these sinners get up here?
God must have made a boo-boo.

"And why everyone so quiet,
so serious? Got any hints?"
"Shh... child," said He, "they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you."

JUDGE NOT.

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2)

WARNING: When times are good...

Imagine for a moment that you are at the peak of your life with a great career, a loving family, an inspiring church ministry, excellent health, and you are well-loved and well-respected by many - in short, rousing success in both secular & religious life! Would you take life easy and happily bask in your successes...

King David was at a similar peak of his life when he fell into a terrible sin which led to heartrending troubles in his family (2 Samuel 11-18). He was a man of God, a great king, a talented composer, and a well-respected leader. But he took things easy and let down his spiritual guard... and committed adultery and murder (read Charles Swindoll's "David" for an excellent analysis of David's life).

Even a great person like King David, who was the only person in the Bible to be called "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), could fall so badly, what about ordinary folks like us?

So let us be extra vigilant during good times and run to the Lord for the grace to remain humble and faithful!

Retirement Dreams

When I just started my very first job 2 years ago, I started dreaming of early retirement... with noble holy intentions actually - I had BIG elaborate plans to serve God when I retire...

There is really so much I can do for Him if I don't have to work to survive - can He refuse my prayer of wanting to retire early to serve Him?

I waited. I listened. Day after day, month after month, God didn't speak nor show the way to quick financial independence...

One fine day, He finally spoke: "David, you don't have to wait till retirement to serve Me. You can serve Me right NOW, wherever you are... in the office, in the streets, in cyberspace. In fact, where you are now is the best place to serve Me and to share the Good News! Imagine what happens if all Christians are not holding jobs - who would understand the working class and evangelise to them? Yes, it would be tough balancing office and church work - but who ever said it would be easy in the first place? If you follow My Way, you will find true peace and joy - because that's what you've been created for..."

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. (Psalm 62:5)

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matt 16:24)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim 4:7)

Pride's Litmus Tests

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov 16:18)

Pride is considered the deadliest among the seven capital sins - not only because it greatly offends God but also because it is extremely difficult to detect; we know we are guilty of Lust when we ogle at the opposite sex; we know we are guilty of Anger when our blood is boiling with hatred; we know we are guilty of Gluttony by checking out the weighing scale.

But Pride? How can we detect it since its very nature blinds us to itself? Pride assures us that we are humble!

By God's Grace, I discovered the following litmus tests of Pride from Archbishop Fulton Sheen's edifying book, Victory Over Vice:

• Do you think you know all there is to know and resent all attempts by people to share knowledge with you?
• Do you seek honours and positions beyond your capacity?
• Do you have a strong unwillingness to hear your own faults?
• Do you show off your good deeds before people and God?
• Do you neglect thanking God for all your gifts and talents?
• Do you think you are better than most people?
• Do you try hard to impress people with your clothes, qualifications and 5 C's?

If your answer is YES to any of the above questions, then you're probably guilty of Pride - it's time to run to God to seek His forgiveness and grace...

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14)

Stemming the Stem Cells Debate

The stem cell controversy surrounds two 2 key questions:

1. Is the use of embryonic stem cells better than its ethical alternatives (eg. adult stem cells, umblicial cord blood stem cells)?

2. When does an embryo become "human"?

To me, the first question is not important because the key issue here is not on the effectiveness of methods but morality (click here for a pragmatic view); is it justifiable to take the life of one person against his will in order to save millions of lives?

I am very sure the answer to the above question is a clear NO for most people - the Holocaust is the result of people saying YES - the Nazis systematically killed people (Jews, homosexuals, mentally & physically disabled etc.) that they thought were a threat to Germany.

Hence, I feel that if the second question can be answered conclusively, then the stem cells debated might be stemmed once and for all.

In fact, this question has already been thoroughly debated without a conclusion - one such article "The Ethics of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research" provides a multi-religious perspective.

To me, the one cell (zygote) produced by the fertilisation of an egg cell by a sperm cell is already "human" since it is one unique entity that would eventually become a complete human being.

If we refuse this definition and continue debating about the precise point in time when the embryo "humanises" or when God "injects" a soul into the embryo, then we risk the following in the process:

1. Continued killings of millions of innocent lives through embryonic stem cell research

2. Distortion of the very meaning of being human - biological versus theological; if a person is shown to be biologically incapable of human reasoning (eg. the mentally-illed) or incapable of human behaviour (eg. those in a comatose or vegetative state), is he still "human" and protected by human laws?

"The world cannot take two different roads: the road of those who are willing to sacrifice or commercialize human beings for the sake of a privileged few, and the road of those who cannot accept this abuse. For its own sake, humanity needs a common basis - a common understanding of humanity and a common understanding of the fundamental bases upon which all our ideas about human rights depend..."

DOCUMENT OF THE HOLY SEE ON HUMAN CLONING, paragraph 10 -
From the Vatican, September 27, 2004

True Freedom

I am currently getting ready for the basic traffic theory exam and I am amazed that there are so many traffic signs and rules that I have to remember! I never realise that driving is so "restrictive"! Why can't we have more freedom and just drive by our common sense?

What a stupid question since the answer is so obvious right? Without these rules, there would be chaos and we wouldn't get to our destination in one piece; we lose the freedom of driving to wherever we want if we all choose to be free from traffic rules!

Similarly, Life is governed by spiritual rules. If we want to reach the destinations of Peace and Joy, we must follow the rules; they are put in place not to "restrict" us but to give us true freedom to get to our destinations.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)

Evangelisation - Pascal's Wager

With the advent of the Internet and advanced mass communication means, it is increasingly difficult to evangelise because people have access to information on a wide spectrum of religions, including atheistic theories and arguments.

Hence, the 21st century evangelist must be as well-informed and knowledgeable about not only the Bible but also philosophical arguments.

One such argument is Pascal's Wager, which was posed by the famous 17th century mathematician, Blaise Pascal. It states that it is always a better choice to believe in God (even if He doesn't exist), because the expected gain from believing in God is always greater than the expected value resulting from non-belief.

Of course, there are many counter-arguments against Pascal's Wager - one key argument is that belief in God leads to non-trivial losses in terms of time, effort, health, wealth and creativity and thus, if God doesn't exist, one would lose much in life.

The best defence against such an attack is the testimony of the evangelist himself...

For me, Christianity doesn't seem to be the least burdensome in terms of its various rules and restrictions - because God created such rules and restrictions for our good in the first place. In fact, I feel more free than ever - from my egoistic human nature, eg. pride, greed, lust, sloth etc.

In short, Christianity frees me to focus on reaching my fullest potential for the betterment of the world!

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

Leprosy of Sin

One of the greatest spiritual illnesses of our time is the leprosy of sin - more and more people are beginning to lose the sense of sin.

This is mainly because sin has found cover in an insidious modern thinking: if it feels good, doesn't do anyone any obvious harm and many people are doing it, then it must be ok to do it.

This eventually led to sexual promiscuity, abortions, divorces, materialism and individualism, even among Christians and other religious groups!

The decadence of modern society is a clear sign of the fallacy of such thinking! Sin is still sin irregardless of feelings and the number of people indulging in it!

We must eradicate this fast-spreading spiritual leprosy before it gets deeply rooted in our society. We must return to an utter repulsiveness of sin of every kind. I suggest the following ways (3 R's):

Redemption: Recall how much suffering Jesus Christ had to go through to secure our redemption (Isa 53:5)

Repercussions: Understand the tremendous repercussions of sin: everyone would be adversely affected in one way or another

"With greater or lesser violence, with greater or lesser harm, every sin has repercussions on the entire ecclesial body and on the whole human family."

Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) 264th Pope

Result: Know the ultimate result of sin: eternal suffering in Hell (Luke 13:22-28)

Missionary Possible

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:19-20)

I used to take little notice of the above great commission given by Jesus before His Ascension because I thought it was meant more for priests and missionaries...

Moreover, the task seemed daunting: How is it possible to convince people now given the recent controversies (Da Vinci Code, Gospel of Judas), the multitude of religions and the pervasiveness & popularity of new-age beliefs?

But the Lord gently reminded me that He needs only willing instruments:

"But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." (Luke 21:14-15)

We need only be open to the Holy Spirit and to be aware of our mission to build His Kingdom.

After being a Christian for more than 30 years, I have not converted a single person yet. Nevertheless, I will continue my mission of being a witness to Christ wherever and whenever I can (at home/work/church and through blogging) knowing that I may be used to sow seeds of faith, which I may never see fruition.

The Ultimate Objective

It is important to continually examine the ultimate objective of all our actions (including those we consider trivial) because it affects our motivation, peace and joy.

For example, I am currently playing Diablo II, a role-playing computer game. My ultimate objective was show my nephew and niece the love of God by bonding with them through playing the game with them online. Now suppose that after some time, my ultimate objective changes unconsciously and I begin to play the game more for the sake of satisfying myself and eventually getting myself addicted, I would lose my peace and even jeopardise my relationships!

As a Christian, it is even more important for me to be fully aware of my ultimate objectives because it is so easy to do things for self-centered and worldly objectives rather than divine ones. I know my weaknesses and thus, I would try to make an extra effort to ensure my ultimate objectives stay on track.

So if you find yourself becoming unhappy, stressed or easily frustrated, perhaps it's time to examine the ultimate objectives of your actions...

A Passionate Love

Two years after I've watched Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ", I am still very dumbfounded and touched by the passionate love that God has for us. Before the movie, it was difficult to imagine how much Jesus went through for us - somehow, I felt that since Jesus is God, He can't really be hurt or suffer like a human.

The movie led me to the book on which it was based on - "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. It was more powerful than the movie... whether you believe in Jesus Christ, whether you believe the visions of Blessed Anne, I assure you that your life would be changed after reading her book.

God's passionate love for us is beyond our wildest imagination - it led Him to barbarous tortures, humiliating insults and a most painful death by crucifixion. And it continues to seek us out to save and bless us with eternal joy and peace. Our response is simple: to open our hearts to His passionate love.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

HOPE of True Repentance

After being a Catholic for more than 30 years, I recently and shockingly realised that I have never truly repented and made a good confession…

According to St John Vianney (Passion Sunday sermon, Sermons of the Cure of Ars), in order to obtain forgiveness, one must have 4 qualities which show true repentance – I have come up with a simple acronym for these qualities, “HOPE”:

Heartfelt anguish: Repentance must come from the bottom of our heart and cause the soul much anguish.

Originates from the Holy Spirit: This anguish must originate from the Holy Spirit – it should arise from love and fear of God rather than human embarrassment/fear.

Painful sorrow: This anguish must also be greater than any other sorrow, eg. loss of health, loved ones or anything that is dearest to us!

Encompassing all sins: Repentance must be comprehensive – we must be repentant of ALL our sins, even those which we find “impossible” to give up.

Frankly, I find the above “standard” very difficult to follow, especially the 3rd one on sorrow! St John Vianney also mentioned that it was very rare in his time to find true penitents but assured us that with earnest prayer, we would be able to obtain the grace of true repentance.

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (2 Corinthians 7:10)

The Beauty of Suffering

None of us like suffering, including myself. The very thought of suffering scares me because I have an extremely low threshold of pain!

But whether I like it or not, suffering is inevitable in life - the fact that I am a Christian doesn't exclude me from suffering (Matthew 16:24); Christianity doesn't eradicate suffering but imbues it with meaning, making it a beautiful experience (Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 4:13).

One excellent example depicting the beauty of suffering is the life of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. Not only did she endure intense physical suffering in the form of illnesses and the stigmata, she also suffered emotionally from the misunderstandings of her fellow nuns. More unthinkably, she even requested to take on the sufferings of others to aid them! What love & heroism!

At this moment, I seriously doubt I could ever love suffering the way Blessed Emmerich did (judging from my embarrassing response to a common fever, splinter in my finger and fish bone in my throat) but I hope that with God's grace, one day, I would be able to experience, behold and appreciate the beauty of suffering...

Faith gives Hope

I am very tired lately, both emotionally and physically...

My father suffered a stroke more than a month ago and he's still in the hospital. Despite undergoing physiotherapy and acupuncture, there isn't much improvement in his condition and recently, he had to stop rehabilitation because of pneumonia. It is really emotionally draining for the family, especially my mother.

My office work is also stressful at the moment because this happens to be the busy period of the year. And not forgetting my regular church work as well as issues with the church website!

It is really difficult to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel of problems...

But thank and praise God that in prayer, He reminded me of:
- how He had helped and guided me in past struggles
- the hope of our precious faith that in all things, He works for the good of us (Romans 8:28)
- our eternal destination where He would wipe away all our tears and we would live in eternal joy with Him (Revelation 21:4)

My problems still exist... but now, I can face them with renewed vigor! Indeed, Faith gives shining Hope in the darkest of times!

The Paradox of Prayer

One of the biggest struggles of my faith journey was to grapple with the concept of prayer. Here's how I would summarise the paradox of prayer:

1. We need to pray for our needs and most importantly, for our salvation. (Matthew 7:7) (Colossians 4:2) (Romans 12:12)
2. But God already knows what we need. (Matthew 6:8-9)
3. Moreover, prayer only works when we pray for what God thinks we need and not what we want. (Matthew 7:11) (1 John 5:14)

Now isn't prayer redundant and meaningless? Why does God use such a roundabout way to do what He wants? Why does He assign such a perculiar role to us?

There are many theological explanations to this paradox but none could get into my thick skull... My struggle with prayer abruptly and conclusively ended with a seemingly ordinary everyday situation:

I have been guiding my nephews and nieces for many years. Over the years, they have been asking me for many favours and I had rejected most of them because I knew they wouldn't do them much good. In addition, I always need to take the initiative to help them in their studies and to teach them how to build up their character because they never made such requests! Oh, how I yearn to do more for them and to develop closer relationships with them... if only they would ask for the right things!

Then God gently led this thought to my question about prayer... and what a powerful answer it was without theology or words! I was glad I prayed for the answer to the right question:)

The Boomerang Effect

I used to disbelieve and even scorn church people who sympathetically claimed that they have no money in their pockets (yes, not even a single cent!) when I approached them for donations - yet they drove off in BMWs, Jaguars and Ferraris!

This was my attitude until one fine Sunday when I was approached by little children asking for donations and I had to sadly reject them because I ran out of cash at that moment (after generously patronising our church canteen) - all of sudden, a penetrating thought hit me like a truck: those church people whom I previously disbelieved might have similar true and legitimate reasons like I did! How could I judge them so hastily?

Well, this was just one of many incidents where I experienced what I term "The Boomerang Effect" where I do the very thing I condemn... God certainly knows how to give good lessons!

I've now learnt the graciousness of always giving people the benefit of the doubt - because people may have acted with good reasons unknown to us.

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)

The Morning Prayer

Whenever I try to trace the reasons for a bad day, I am almost always led to one prime cause: the neglect of prayer, especially the morning prayer.

For me, morning prayer means just a 5-to-10-minute prayer of thanksgiving, praise, offering, and petition, ending with a short silence.

I used to pray longer when I have the luxury of time... nevertheless, there is no doubt about the importance and power of the morning prayer for me, no matter how short it is; it somehow anchors the entire day in God's Will and Love.

"But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you." (Psalm 88:13)

The Journey Begins...

I am a sojourner. I do not know when, where or how my sojourn will end. So, meanwhile, I reckon I better make the best preparation possible while Time is still on my side... I welcome you, my fellow sojourner, to journey with me as I live out my Catholic faith in the midst of raging enemies in the form of materialism, secularism, and sexual liberalisation.