Ashes To Ashes
It was a funny feeling to see the same people who queue up to receive the host now queue up to be marked with ash. We Singaporeans queue for all sorts of things: good food, bargains and freebies and lottery tickets. But ash? I would not even queue up to kiss the cross on Good Friday. It is, after all, unhygienic.
On that Ash Wednesday, however, I got off my butt, slid along the pew and joined the queue after having abstained from it for years. Little wonder that on reaching home, the lady of the house asked whether I just attended a Hindu wedding.
Later in the evening while preparing for the class later in the week, I noted the gospel reading on the first Sunday of Lent was the temptation of Jesus.
Luke records that the Adversary tempted Jesus continuously for 40 days. But on the last day of his desert sojourn, he delivered the most deadly salvo. Catching Jesus when he probably rather dried out, wind swept, hungry and exhausted, the Adversary called Jesus to account for his acclaimed sonship of God by doing miraculous signs. That was a master stroke. The last thing you need after completing a 40-day fast in the desert is someone to come and tell you that you were not good enough and hound you to prove yourself.
It occurred to me that the trying temptation was an apt exercise for the inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry. It brought him up close and personal with the personal battles the people, as we do, fought each day that he was always ready to forgive. It gave him insight into the desires and needs the people had, as we have, each day that he hastened to comfort us that his Father will provide plentifully. It filled him with compassion about how little the people knew God, as we do, that his first act was not to do miracles but to preach the good news of salvation.
What is ash on the head but to remind us of our mortality and also of our salvation in Jesus. From earth I came and to earth I will return, but my spirit would not be bound by my remains. If Jesus has resisted the very fundamental temptation of putting his personal ego before all else and to prove himself to others, and for that had won the favour of God, then he had understood me perfectly.
Resting in this knowledge, I can then go about God’s work to the best of my ability trusting in his providence. And if I should falter in the process, I can trust in his forgiveness. That gives me strength to forge ahead fearlessly.
How blessed indeed are the disciples of Christ.
-Contributed by Francis Ow, 26 Feb 2007
TOPPINGS
This poem isn't obviously 'God' but I like it and chose it because it is a call to action. Quite like how Jesus was called to action and quite like how the catechists have been called to action. Perhaps more so now that it is Lent. Importantly too, this call to action signifies Hope. May we be inspired to inspire.
-A personal comment contributed by Michelle Goh – 25 Feb 2007
O Me! O Life!
O Me! O Life!O ME! O life!... of the questions of these recurring;
Of the endless trains of the faithless—of cities fill’d with the foolish;
Of myself forever reproaching myself,
(for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light—of the objects mean—of the struggle ever renew’d; Of the poor results of all—of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me;
Of the empty and useless years of the rest—with the rest me intertwined;
The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer:
That you are here—that life exists, and identity;
That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse.
-Walt Whitman (1819–1892), published in 'Leaves of Grass', 1900.
EXTRA GOODIES
Flicks for Lent
Simon Birch (1998)
(Click the above link for more!)
This movie really touched and inspired me. It reminds me that even the smallest, weakest and unlikeliest person has a place in God’s plan. Bittersweet yet funny, it harks back to a more laidback time and centers on the friendship of two boys on the brink of puberty - with all its requisite emotional confusion.
Don’t forget your tissue.
- Liesl M., 26 Feb 2007. Not meant to promote nor critique the film.
COMING SOON...
1. Formation 1 (Workshop)
Sunday, March 11 2007
Time: 2pm - 5 pm
Venue: Holy Family Church 4th Floor Canteen
Activity: Group Dynamics
Aim: Instill group bonding by level
Theme: "Myself: My gift to this Ministry"
by Sr. Francesca Tan (Cenacle Sisters)
Dear Catechists, come and learn practical ways on serving gladly!
(For further details, check out the Letter from the Formation Committee on 27 Feb)
2. Formation 2 (Prayer Meet)
What is a Sedar Meal?
Watch this spot for more sumptuous enlightenment!
3. Parish Assembly
Sunday, March 25 2007
Time: 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Venue: Singapore Swimming Club (Tanjong Rhu Road)
Want to know what has been happening in your parish of Holy Family?
Want to know how you can make a difference in your parish?
Take part in the Parish Assembly!
Send in your registration forms early ‘cause registration closes on Sun 11th March 2007.
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