tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post486285902473475648..comments2024-03-17T22:48:00.427+08:00Comments on Reflections and Ruminations: Allowing the good and the bad to coexist takes a certain godliness.Fr Luke Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079016104331055895noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-66226678809302679652014-07-26T14:05:56.057+08:002014-07-26T14:05:56.057+08:00Haha frLuke, at the cursory reading, i was sort of...Haha frLuke, at the cursory reading, i was sort of disturbed by the writing "love .... even surpassing righteousness and justice" and so close it. <br /><br />Yesterday, a friend happened to email me the same reflection and so i re-read. This time, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in "When the need for control is identified in oneself, it can become a stepping-stone towards holiness if one is willing to face one’s own shortcomings that is tempered with a willingness to be merciful to oneself too. That we can see sinful actions around us happening, but not be too quick to condemn them but to bravely step into the shoes of the other and walk a few miles in them, becomes a gateway to becoming less critical and a little more charitable in our thoughts and actions." Thanks father, for the teaching, which also affirmed direction i received.<br /><br />wtAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-63573721555363437772014-07-25T11:06:50.392+08:002014-07-25T11:06:50.392+08:00Dearest Fr Luke,
Thank You for your post this wee...Dearest Fr Luke,<br /><br />Thank You for your post this week, on a topic quite close to my heart. Some years back when I made the decision to follow Christ, I was very zealous and seek perfection in everything I do in order to please the God I love.<br /> His commandment – Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48) was seared in my every thought. I had erroneously took this verse out of context and merely using my human intellect in deciphering what I thought God was asking of me – To be perfect in righteousness in my words thoughts and deeds.<br /> <br />Needless to say, I was on the wrong track, my track of pride and self-righteousness which led to my easy judgement of others and unforgiveness of self, … God’s joy & peace eludes me. My well was dry and I was using my human grit and determination to persevere on. <br /><br />It was only at quiet time in prayer, when I finally surrendered, worn out and asking the Lord to take over, when I heard the words loud and clear- What I want is mercy, not sacrifice. <br /><br />It was truly a moment of sweet consolation, and I cherish that moment dearly in my heart. It had took me a while to really grasp the meaning of mercy. <br /><br />Now, I look upon everyday as a call to be charitable, in my words, thoughts and deeds. To humbly make the daily choice to love, to seek God's strength in my quest. <br /><br />Yes, there are countless times when uncharitable thoughts will rise, but I am thankful that I am now getting more mindful of such weak moments, when my pride and expectations of others, especially my loved ones, comes in play. <br /><br /><br />Our God is perfect in love, and so we are called to be perfect in love. As St Therese of Lisieux says it all – On her words "my vocation is love".<br /><br /><br />My sharing is truly just my way of praising God, in telling of the great works He has done. ;)<br /><br />Thank you Fr Luke,<br />Wishing u a happy feast of St James, where you received your new blood type a year ago. ;}<br /><br /><br />Praying for you as always, for peace and joy in your heart.<br />United in prayers,<br />Laura.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-14531394637310920812014-07-24T16:20:30.367+08:002014-07-24T16:20:30.367+08:00“Sometimes, it is not the answers that are importa...“Sometimes, it is not the answers that are important as the experience that the lessons are teaching us in life.” - I like this and believe it holds true for me.<br /><br /><br />If one gardens, the gardener’s old adage that “evil weeds grow apace” is a proven, especially in a hot wet clime like Singapore’s and if weeding is not done assiduously, there might be nothing left of a crop to harvest.<br /><br /><br /> However, the parable of the weeds and the wheat, shows a deeper understanding of the planting and nurturing process - where in its earlier stages of growth, each seedling with its elementary root system would not be deeply and firmly rooted in the ground – for it to draw up nutrients very essential for its growth. So in the initial stage the weeds help to compact the soil and provide ‘cover’ so as the top soil would not be lost due to run-off during heavy watering or rainfall. It is thus a necessary ‘evil’ as weeds grow very fast. Thus as I look at my weeds, my ‘dark side’ – I am humbled and yet encouraged that I am still ‘ a work in process’ and weeding is arduous work that needs patience and mindfulness that can only come with a nudge or two from above.<br />What troubled me at first was why He was not concerned about the wheat being overtaken or strangled by the weeds? Perhaps, is it because- He has that much confidence and trust in me - in the goodness or ‘light’ he has given me and is still giving me throughout this life ..........that the wheat would grow steadily and sturdily and ultimately, even dwarf the weeds ? There is hope still!<br /><br /><br />God bless you, Fr.<br /><br />tessa<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com