tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post939857491771338236..comments2024-03-17T22:48:00.427+08:00Comments on Reflections and Ruminations: Attracting God’s attentionFr Luke Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079016104331055895noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-54807372312350423402011-09-15T19:37:09.097+08:002011-09-15T19:37:09.097+08:00It is so true, Fr. The many times when I know God ...It is so true, Fr. The many times when I know God has gotten me first are the times I go on bended knees and pray, "Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner", whether in moments of joy or contrition.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-64408396490231018542011-09-14T16:15:39.523+08:002011-09-14T16:15:39.523+08:00I once bought some food from a roadside vendor who...I once bought some food from a roadside vendor who was a little old lady, thinking that I was being benevolent & magnanimous. I was thoroughly humbled when the little old lady gave me extra food free-of-charge instead. God had shown me humility, mercy & grace in a far, far purer form that day.<br /><br />“He casts the mighty from their thrones & raises the lowly.” – Luke 1:52; the Magnificat. How apt!!!<br /><br />Thank you, Father, for your sharing.Bravada Esprithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10585784120623976468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-21617018928890098482011-09-13T16:18:17.708+08:002011-09-13T16:18:17.708+08:00“ In themselves they are good and very needful, bu...“ In themselves they are good and very needful, but if we forget why we do them, and fail to consistently remind ourselves the rationale for doing them, we can easily end up thinking that we are doing them SO THAT we get God, rather than BECAUSE God has ‘gotten’ us first.......”<br /><br /> When we were students and got all intense and mooned over pop artists, movie stars or the latest songs and dance moves during lessons or coming late for class , the teachers in exasperation would demand to know what’s gotten into us and we said – ‘ Love.’ So when I read your blog and stopped at the above quote- I also exchanged the word God for Love. And in a way you were spot on when you said that God has gotten us first........<br /> Love makes us strangers to ourselves . I remember telling myself how I would never allow family and children to come between me and career but the arrival of my first born made me a willing and happy slave to the little bundle of joy. What has gotten into me ? I’ve fallen in love with a mere 2.7kg of an infant who paradoxically, became my first teacher in forgetful self-love and - a most demanding one at that !<br /> So too, when God has gotten us........ we have fallen in love with God, and so the rationale of our works and deeds are no longer important. Our prayers, devotions and worship are not obligations to please and hold His attention anymore. In fact every action however minute becomes a joy and liberation to do....... ( just as He promised us - that His yoke is gentle and the burden light. ) In time , humility , patience, gentleness, fortitude and many more virtues will become the hallmark of our service. <br /> Alas, we are still “works –in- process” and ( hopefully progress ) , so like the publican we better make sure we come often into His presence – with bowed heads and contrite hearts- seeking His mercy.<br />God bless you Fr.<br />tessaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-18978344051480886252011-09-12T13:38:34.596+08:002011-09-12T13:38:34.596+08:00Dear Fr. Luke,
Funny you should mention that.
Ev...Dear Fr. Luke,<br /><br />Funny you should mention that.<br /><br />Every time that I'm in church, at mass, and I look up at the altar, and past it, at the tabernacle, I am reminded of just how sinful and unworthy I really am; and just how much I am in need of His mercy. <br /><br />Sinful and unworthy indeed, for who can look towards the Man on the cross and not feel totally inadaquate? It is in gazing upon perfection itself that one recognises his own inperfections; and many they are.<br /><br />I suppose in the light of this one could end up feeling totally hopeless ; and yet, (and this is the paradox) it is He who gives us that very hope that no one or nothing else ever could. <br /><br />Peace and Joy,Robbie Jnoreply@blogger.com