THE HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY ON EARTH!

The largest Christmas star in our retreat centre - outside the building I live in!

It's 6 days to Christmas Eve and everywhere I look people are getting ready for Christmas - lighted stars of so many beautiful colours and shapes are all over our retreat centre. It makes me feel happy just looking at these stars! For the past two days, I have been watching a group set up from scratch a Nativity crib - the love with which they are taking so much effort do so is really heartwarming. It makes me want to join them as poignant Christmas memories rush back of when I would make the Nativity crib in my parents' home - right up to the last Christmas I spent with both of them in 2003.

I  have always loved putting up the Christmas tree, making the crib and just putting up the Christmas decorations and all the twinkling lights! i never ever found it tedious or tiring! I remember my parents  often reminding me to get ready for the Vigil Mass as I would still be busy doing up their home - I usually arrived home the day before. At first, they would say that they are old so there was no need to make all these efforts - but after midnight mass, they would always tell me how beautiful their home looked with a joyful smile on their faces - that was always enough for me! It is something I REALLY, REALLY miss doing, as here, we have many male volunteers who do an excellent job of decorating our retreat centre. 

Well,  I have been getting ready the goodies for our annual Christmaas Divine Homes visit - so I am happy knowing the joy this annual Christmas visit bring to our Divine Family members - esp the orphaned children, the elderly destitutes, the AIDS patients and the mentally ill patients. They expect us to  show up as it has been a Divine Christmas tradition since my 1st Chrstmas here in 2004. How time flies - this will be my 8th Divine Christmas!

The YouTube music video below, "Happy Birthday, Jesus" by the group Alabama, made me feel so grateful and thankful to Jesus for being born on earth - and bringing true joy into all our lives. Jesus' birth is when God's Light & Grace shone down upon ALL of mankind on earth living in darkess - and His Light is always shining brightly waiting to be the beacon in our lives!

I hope you and all your loved ones will sing around your Christmas tree,  "Happy Birthday Jesus", as your gifts are shared with His Love in your hearts - Jesus is in our midst!

Wishing  each of you, your families and friends

        A Most JOYOUS, HOLY & BLESSED CHRISTMAS!      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

LOOK WITH THE EYES OF LOVE!

"Look with the eyes of  Love" - this phrase struck me deeply for some reason in December last year. It was not the first time I had heard it in a homily  but on that particular day, I guess God chose to reveal to me what I should really be doing!  i am sure many of you have felt like I did after hearing a  touching homily, a phrase that seems to haunt your heart -  a "special" call from deep within your soul that God is asking something of you. 

This phrase kept repeating itself deep within me - like it was  a drip of water falling on one's forehead nonstop!One cannot ignore it. So I started reflecting on St. Paul's beautiful explanation of what " Love" is in the Bible (! Corinthians Chapter 13).  Every word in this chapter suddenly seemed to be filled with great meaning for me. It was definitely not the first time I was reflecting on this chapter but now it took on an urgency of how I must strive to live!

"Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs." (I Corinthians 13:5) Oh dear! I can distinctly recall the times I have been irritable especially with people I most care about. In those times. I have also been selfish because I was obviously thinking of myself first. Well, I do not have to explain much more what it was like with others. It gets even worse as I become judgemental too.

So as 2011 started, the GRACE I yearned for God to give in His Fullness was "Love" - His Love - the unconditional love that I felt so  deeply Jesus asking of me during the 1st Mass in Bethlehem of my Holy Land pilgrimage in June 2009. I still remember till today with great clarity the feelings that overwhelmed me and how I wept non-stop silently. As the priest said. "This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those called to His Supper", I had a deep and profoundly touching  spiritual experience and my little heart could not contain Jesus' Love for me! As I was in meditation that night, I realized that indeed true love in its purity does bring pain. Yet, it is an exquisite pain that one will willingly bear for the joy that we receive far outweighs the pain.

So after 2 1/2 years since my Holy Land experience, I know Jesus has been able to start converting my heart - because I want Him to! I started looking with the "eyes of Love" at everyone I meet or have dealings with and to be conscious that we are all children of God.  In fact, I am also obviously irritating and offending others too! Thus, I have learnt to really try to "let go". The bible verse - "love does not keep a record of wrongs" - is another gift I started praying specially for. It is not enough to forgive, I had to learn to forget!  It is something I found more difficult when it was with people I really care for. Truly "looking with the eyes of love" is a great way to live! Now, I feel peace when I see the good in each person ... what's more I feel greater joy when I am with people I love and care about. The main point is 'peace and joy' becomes an intrinsic part of my day-to-day living because of "love". However, I expect this goal to be a "work-in-progress" throughout the rest of my life!  

God's greatest gift of Love to us - Jesus our "Emmanuel" was born on Christmas Day to save us with His Amazing Love! That is why Christmas season is such a Blessed and Joyous time of the year. It is about JOYOUS LOVE - for all of mankind. Hatred will never conquer the world for love will always triumph - "Love is eternal". (I Corinthians 13:8) 

My Christmas wish for each of us is that God's Love will be gloriously manifested in us - that all of us will be His Love "in action" to everyone around us.  The 1st YouTube video at the top of this post "Inspirational Quotes on Love" is very uplifting and  apt.

Christmas Vigil Mass

For the first time, in Divine, there will be a 2-Day Christmas Vigil and Celebration on 24 and 25 December 2011. I am greatly looking forward to this special event as we share it with retreatants from all over India and overseas to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, Our Saviour.  I feel deep joy every Christmas that I have spent here in Divine. It is always a special time seeing the joy in our large 3,000 member Divine Family cared for by our Divine Charitable Trust on a longterm basis - from the youngest orphan child, the mentally ill patients, AIDS patients, to the elderly and especially the Vincentian priests and lay volunteers who live their lives so generously that I forget to remember that at times.  So many of them serve silently day in and day out. 


Well this is a special season so I would like to share a 2nd YouTube video below "Sharing Our Divine Christmas Joy" which is of special memories I have had here with some friends and of Christmas in Divine. Many of you keep asking me where i am and what I do -  here are glimpses of our large Divine Family who have captured my heart!

Wishing each and every one of you a Most Blessed, Holy & Joyous Christmas!

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

Martin Luther King Jr.

DOES FAITH MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Does faith make a difference to one's life? How does it make a difference? For that matter, what is faith? Over the past couple of years, I have at times asked friends and acquaintances whom I have met, what does the word "faith" mean to them? More importantly  what is the source of their faith? It has been interesting to hear different people's opinions. 

In the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, "faith" means:

1a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions

2a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust

3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs 

To me, the best and most concise definition of faith is from the Bible - "To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of things we cannot see." (Hebrews 11:1) 

What I have experienced and learnt in my life and from a few people who have been true personal inspirations to me is that when our faith is rooted in God, there is a supernatural grace from God who helps us to transcend all obstacles in our lives and to believe that "What is impossible for man is possible for God." (Luke 18:27) I also know people who have stopped practicing their religious belief and are now agnostics - they prefer to have faith in themselves, in a person, or in a secular or political philosophy. I do not say that is totally wrong -  however, in times of great difficulties or circumstances in their lives, I have often seen despair, depression, addictions and illness overwhelming them because there is one thing missing in their life - HOPE! 

My life changed when I began to try to live the Word of God. I have always found St. Paul's definition of Love (1 Corinthian Chapter 13) to be one of the best guides in how to live my life. Indeed, there have been moments in my life where the following bible verse has given me much inner strength and perseverance- "Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail." (1 Corinthians 13:7) Where can I place my trust in this type of love? After years of soul-searching, I have finally found it in Jesus Christ "for God is love." (1 John 4:8) 

It is essentially two priests whom I met in India who are my personal inspirations to live with deep faith in God and to have hope that He will never abandon or forsake us - ever!

Fr. N. Gerard, sdb
Founder of BALPART, Chennai, India

Firstly, it is Fr. N. Gerard sdb, Founder of BALPART in Chennai, India, who more than any person in the world opened my eyes and my heart to the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized in January 1997. Father’s charitable trust took care of the destitute elderly and leprosy patients and their families. The leprosy patients and their families lived in such squalor in remote colonies that I felt traumatized mentally and emotionally initially for about 2 years knowing that human beings were reduced to live like that! I could never go back to being lukewarm or oblivious about our fellow human beings who cry out for help. What if I was in their shoes? Fr. Gerard built proper houses, ensured medical aid, education for the children, clean water supply and electricity for their homes.  But more than that is the incredible love, the great warmth and joy in Fr. Gerard. He is literally mobbed at whichever leper colonies we went to – and children will be hanging on to him and chatting away non-stop. The adults always want to be blessed by Fr. Gerard. I have always experienced the complete feeling of acceptance and being loved for who I am when I am with Fr. Gerard. He is non-judgmental. I will forever thank God for bringing Fr. Gerard into my life. He is a greatly loved priest who is selfless, inspiring and courageous. Fr. Gerard is the priest who awakened my conscience to care "for the least of our brethren.” (Matthew 25:40)

The other priest is Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C., Director of Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala, India where I am serving. When  I came for my first retreat in February 1998, I was really struck by the joy that radiated from Father. It really made me want to know Jesus as Fr. Augustine seemed to know Him - an unshakeable faith in God that seemed to bring joyful hope and inner peace. Despite many great financial obstacles and persecutions that the Divine-Potta ministry has faced while I serve here, I never ever saw defeat in any of the Vincentian Fathers in this retreat centre. Instead, what I saw was them turning to deep prayer and amazingly they focussed on what they were called to do in their mission. Nothing - not a single piece of mission work was dropped!  

In this past week, I truly saw the beautiful result of a great faith in God bearing much fruit!  Ever since I came to serve here in 2004, I learnt of the Call of God placed in the hearts of the Directors of Divine Retreat Centre to start a 24-hour commercial-free Catholic Gospel Channel - Divine Television to be available worldwide. I also found  that there were many people who were sceptical about the need to start the Divine TV ministry. I heard at times from these sceptics - our charitable works to care for 3000 sick and needy members of the Divine Family on a long-term basis was already a big financial responsibility. Why was there a need for a television ministry - was it a necessity? The answer is a resounding  "YES!" I have seen countless messages written by people from around the world the past 3 years who are so grateful for the Message of God's Love, Hope and Joy that is being proclaimed by Divine Television. Lives are being transformed and people in despair have found hope in Jesus.

Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C.
Director - Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala, India

Well, I have been working for Fr. Augustine for the past 7 1/2 years. More than any person, he is known as the "heart" and the "brains' of Divine Television. There were incredible obstacles: getting the licence from the Indian Government which kept dragging on, much needed long-term funding,  skilled TV crews / staff, TV programmes in English and Malayalam currently. Yet, Fr. Augustine had the unwavering faith to persevere in the face of what seemed insurmountable difficulties to finally get the licence from the Indian Government to broadcast Divine Television - after over 8 years! There was a glorious, joyful and amazing India launch here in Divine Retreat Centre just last Sunday, 20 November 2011 when 10,000 people joined the Vincentian Fathers and all of us serving here on this momentous occassion which was graced by the Kerala Chief Minister His Excellency Oomen Chandy, many other Kerala State Government leaders, His Beatitude Mar George Alenchery, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, many Bishops, priests, religious, and lay people too. This joyous India launch was also seen live by thousands of Divine's friends around the world online through DVN Online TV

Practically every one of us who serve here fully agree - this was an incredible mission achievement for the Divine-Potta ministry largely because of the vision, determination and unwavering faith of Fr. Augustine Vallooran! Divine Television will now be seen soon across Asia-Pacific with the India launch. It was first launched on 24 December 2008 in UK, Europe and the Middle East. On 25 May 2009, Divine Television was launched in USA and Canada and on 3rd October 2009, it went online globally as DVN Online TV. The joy I personally feel is indescribable. You have to be here to know how small the village our retreat centre is located in - it is definitely not a bustling city! Yet the Word of God to the WORLD is being broadcast from tiny Muringoor, Kerala, India – a grace-filled and amazing feat!

This is the faith lesson I have truly learnt from Fr. Augustine in my ministry here. It does not matter if others have little faith and watch sceptically from the sidelines. What matters is the faith in God we have in our own heart…and to never waver or give up in answering God’s Call!

Our faith needs to be in our words. our deeds, our commitments, our feelings and in our thinking for it to be a real, living faith in God. The YouTube music video I came across below of bible verses and inspirational quotes "Faith in Action" is definitely worth a few minutes of quiet reflection in your heart.

Personally I am very sure of one fact - faith in God gives me true joy and hope that I can make a difference in this world. Yes - every one of us can do so too!

CHRIST IN OUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS...

I am not an avid shopper. But I have written before I just love buying gifts for my loved ones especially Christmas gifts! And Christmas is  approaching fast...it is already November and all the shopping centres will soon be playing joyous Christmas carols and beautiful Christmas decorations will be up. The past few years, I have been thinking about all the gift-shopping I love doing for Christmas. And I have to very sheepishly admit  - I never used to think that I should remember Jesus  - our "EMMANUEL" - even when choosing Christmas gifts for loved ones. So I ask myself - what is Christmas without remembering Christ? Unless I consciously prepare my heart to welcome Jesus, there is no real inner joy. It will just be a fleeting moment of transient happiness. I feel we really must give at least one Christmas gift to our loved ones that helps to remind them what Christmas is really about.

What is the true meaning of Christmas to little kids, teenagers, young adults, married couples and grandparents in our families and circle of friends? While showing our love and care for them, it will be a great idea to give a Christian-themed gift that will uplift them throughout the years as they use the gift. Indeed, we are reminding them that Jesus is always present in their lives everyday!

Well, this year I decided to share some ideas of lovely, meaningful Christmas gifts to people of all ages from children to grandparenst that is currently available online. It is where I have been choosing many of my gifts these past few years.

But first, I am really excited for my friend Victor who has chosen to use his wonderful artistic talent to set up Parousian Publishing this year - Victor's dream is to publish resources to bring children closer to God. His first flagship products, The 'Tales of the Eucharist', a 3-book series is so eye-catching and lovely, I actually have my own set! The colourful illustrations and charming way the stories are retold brings alive so tangibly to little children (4-9 years) the great Wonder present in the Eucharist - Jesus! I can only admire the illustrations that so vividly share beautiful stories of our Catholic faith. What better way for little children to learn  more about Jesus - our Messiah? It is Jesus who they most need to know about during Christmas.

Bread Turned Flesh is a delightful retelling of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, Italy in the year 730AD.

 'The Invaders!' is an exciting retelling of the Eucharistic Miracle of St. Clare, which happened in Assisi, Italy. When invaders came to attack Assisi and St. Clare's monastery in the year 1240AD.

'The Proud Knight' is a humourous retelling of the Eucharistic Miracle of Seefeld, Austria.

The 'Tales of The Eucharist" book series is available online at Parousian Publishing and it is free shipping in Singapore and Malaysia and a small flat fee for international orders.

Visitng another group of girlfriends' office in Singapore is like visiting an Angels' store in Heaven!  I feel like buying most of the items - there are great gift ideas for people of all ages - from children to  our beloved grandparents. Well, I guess all of you cannot be trying to visit their office like me but their items are available in most Christian book stores in SIngapore. But with their online store JoyCatholicStore.com - Gifts of Joy, any one from any part of the globe  can do so - it is available at your fingertips right now!

                                                             

Silver Pen - Jesus is Lord
(Rm. 10:9)

   

Stainless Steel Dog Tag Pendant

                                        

                               

4.5" Wooden St. Benedict's Crucifix

Gift Packets (Red Packets)

1-Decade Car Rosary                                               Glass Square Platter - Praise The Lord!

    (Black Diamond)                                                               [30cm x 30cm x 0.5cm]

                             A7 Notebook - Strength [Pink]

Sickers With Bible Verses                              
      [Pack of 14] 

Sterling Silver St. Benedict's Crucifix
With Chain (Large)

Blank Cards of 10
Assorted Designs

Well, there are so many other gift ideas to choose from but I have just highlighted some Christian-themed gift ideas I have chosen over the past years - that brought joy to my loved ones. It was my little way of sharing the gift of Jesus for Christmas! 

For all the items bought online on JoyCatholicStore.com - Gifts of Joy, shipping is free in SIngapore. For International Orders, it is free shipping for orders of USD99/-  and above.

I came across this short meaningful YouTube video about JESUS AND SANTA which really puts Christmas into perspective.

After all, the best Christmas gift we have all received from God is His Son Jesus! 

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,

and they shall call him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us."

(Matthew 1:23)

GOD'S GREAT GIFT IN MY LIFE

Today, 11 October, is a very special day for me -it is on this day SEVEN years ago, I made a decision that I have never regretted. I chose to serve fulltime as a volunteer in India. Looking back to the time, I chose to do so - I still smile at the varying degrees of shock and bafflement from my family, many friends and relatives all over the world at my seemingly illogical decision. Many did not believe I could last even 3 months in India...they obviously knew me well - as I was at that point of time in my life. Till then, my Iife seemed to be always on the fast lane of life's highway, I loved city life and I was used to a certain  comfortable lifestyle. Most of all I was very, very focussed on my career path since a college student. It is little wonder many did not think I had it in me to make this drastic change of being a fulltime volunteer in a Catholic mission.

So when someone like me says that I am giving it all up to work in a Catholic mission run by priests without knowing what I would actually do and to adjust to community life in a village in India, it is too much of a stretch for most people to believe I could survive the differences. I distinctly remember some of my cousins telling me they were sure I would be back in Singapore in 3 months - "There is no way you can survive more than 3 months, Susan. We know you, our cousin. You can never give up your lifestyle or your career. You can never live quietly in India without your constant business travels."

Well, this is where I freely admit it is ONLY due to God's Grace that I have had these seven life-enriching years. I truly have seen God's Promise fulfilled - "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak."  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  There is no way I could still be here without God's Grace and infinite Love and Patience with me.

Looking back, I can smile about some of the difficult and different changes I faced -difference in expectations, work styles and just major cultural differences that at times drove me crazy! I would wonder how on earth I ended up being here doing this work. It was never in my life's plan. Of course, it did not seem remotely humorous when it was all happening. I have finally learnt to be 'still' in my heart despite the busyness of my work here and to allow God's gentle promptings to lead and guide me in how I try to live for Him. It is not about rushing to do my will but to patiently learn to discern what is God's Will in what I should do and how I do it.

I have really learnt of God's all-encompassing Love and Forgiveness from the Vincentian Fathers in this retreat centre in the inspiring way they carry our their extremely hectic priestly ministry. It is not about only working with people who have real talents and skills or having all the needed financial resources but to accept that in God's Plan, He often seems to make baffling choices or sets out seemingly impossible mission goals. Yet when it is all done in prayer trusting Him, the results are always incredibly blessed! So I am learning to accept and understand God's Ways are definitely not that of my limited human mind or human wisdom.

Well, it is a seven years today and I am glad to say that this ONE decision is the best one I have ever made in my life! These years have been the most blessed, challenging and fulfilling years of my life - I know I am not the same person who said "Yes" to fulltime ministry work in 2004. Just being a tiny part of the Divine ministry has changed my heart and my life. The power of FAITH and the power of PRAYER can and will achieve miracles. I am still learning every day to trust God in all things unconditionally - both big and small.

What have I really learnt in answering God's Call?  It is about what God wants of each of us as we live our Christian mission for Him...


We need to be joyful so that not only do we dare to carry our crosses to follow Jesus, we are also His Ambassadors and His Light to the world. People should feel when they are with us that they tangibly experience the Glory and Joy of our Lord. That is something intrinsic in us when we surrender and trust God. I want to choose to live in the Joy of the Lord! Do people hear the joy in our voices, see it in our smiles and in our eyes? Do they feel lighter and joyful in their hearts from having spent time with us? My morning prayer every day is - “Today is the best day of my life. I will be joyful and nothing will get me down. Joy is my gift to God.” There are days when this daily prayer offering seems really difficult but I still try and that is what matters - not giving up. After all, if God's Glory is upon you and me and over all the earth - is that not what others should see in us –  Christians?

I do not know what lies ahead as I go into my 7th year in ministry but God definitely holds the Master Plan of my life...and the YouTube music video "Trust His Heart" with music and words  by Eddie Carswell and Babbie Mason sums up my trust in Jesus to know what is best for me - even when I do not understand!

 "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteuousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit; whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by others."

Romans 14:17 (NAB)

"DO NOT BE AFRAID - I AM WITH YOU!" (Isaiah 43:5)

It has been a really tough few months and I have to admit that it has been not easy realizing that in every moment of life - even during painful times - God does show His Presence and there is still joy. I am finally finding in the midst of great personal turmoil the Peace that only Jesus can give to me through His Word and through the Family of God He has lovingly surrounded me with.

It is easy to get caught up in turbulent periods of our life and to lose the ONE focus we are called as Christians to have. At least, I know that I have really struggled with it. Yet, God's Word has always been in my heart and mind to sustain me until I could begin to let go of my pain and to entrust it all to Jesus. "Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end."  (Hebrews 12:2)

I have no idea what lies ahead in the future for me. But to let fear of the future destroy the present I have now to serve God joyfully and faithfully is not an option. That was the struggle that I thought I should face - making a practical decision as opposed to the strong call I feel in my heart. As I spend quiet time in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament daily, healing is taking place. The many bible verses that I had received and taken down as I meditated on the Bible is now finally penetrating my heart and soul. I guess I was too caught up in my human thinking before. Obviously, I have forgotten that God does not reside in my brain (intellect) but in my heart (faith) and we often read that in the bible about this very fact!  It is when i am able to let go and let God take over that I have begun to feel the Divine Peace of Jesus' Presence in my life. Indeed, God is Love (1 John 4:16) and "There is no fear in love. " (I John 4:18)

 

 

I really do not know what lies ahead for me but yesterday as I was in the Prayer Room, I came across my notes in my prayer journal of a touching homily on 21 July 2011 that I was prompted to jot down.  The priest reminded us of the following: "Human love is bound to be limited. The tragedy of life is that we are not able to look at the Pierced Heart of Jesus - his Love for me and you! We need to to know God's Promise in Psalm 27:10, 'My father and mother may abandon me, but the LORD will take care of me.' In the moment of doubts and troubles, who do I turn to in the pain of my heart? I should look at the open Heart of Jesus and live!"

 

 

Well, I definitely needed to be reminded of how great is the Love of Jesus for me and who I must fix my gaze and heart upon! I am thankful for all my friends in Christ who have shown so much love and care towards me and especially for all their prayers.  It has been a deep heartfelt joy in my heart in the midst of all the turmoil.

It is certainly not a coincidence that I came across this YouTube music video  "PRAISE YOU IN THIS STORM" by Casting Crowns this morning. It is definitely a Divine "reminder" that I should always praise God in all circumstances and my only desire is to live my life for Him!