Pope Francis and St Francis - see the resemblance?

As I've mentioned at today's session... just had to share this image from Aleteia's Facebook page.

Lovely huh? :) brought a smile to my face. 

I love Pope Francis because I feel he is pointing many people - including lapsed Catholics - to Christ. Let us continue to pray for the Holy Father.

P/S: Go 'like' Aleteia's Facebook page. Quite good stuff.

Keeping Faith

I have prayed to do well in the math tests I didn't study for, promising to be an excellent student in the future and live up to my full mathematical potential. Sometimes I have scraped together enough good guesses to answer my prayers. Sometimes I have really regretted not studying.

I have often driven too fast to school, praying and promising God all the way that if I get to school without a wreck or a speeding ticket, I will never be late again.

In this Sunday's gospel, Jesus' friends seem to seek special powers, for like those that I have prayed for - power to get As without studying and to speed without paying. They asked for an increase in their faith.

Jesus insists that faith does not come in medium, large, and extra large. In fact, he seems to poke fun at his disciples when he describes what faith the size of a tiny mustard seed can do. Perhaps he suspects they want to do wonders and show off. "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to the sycamore tree, 'Be uprooted and transplanted into the sea, and it will obey too."

Why would anyone want to transplant a sycamore tree into the sea? Such an act might dazzle spectators, but what is the point? The tree won't survive. What kind of faith throws big shade trees into the sea?

If faith is a gift that gives us power over things, then of course we want more of it. We might want to be like the master in the gospel, who orders his servant around instead of ordering trees into the sea.

But our faith isn't about having power over trees or people. Faith moves us, not trees, or servants, or math grades.

Questions for reflection:
1. When and how have you experienced being part of something bigger than yourself?
2. How is expressing one's inner spirit also an experience of God?
3. How is your relationship with God like the author's in Keeping Faith?

Faith requires sacrifice

Sorry I haven't been posting. Life caught up, BUT... this totally inspired me to get off my butt, log on to post.

Remember that Gospel reading from Luke Chapter 12 on Sunday that was a bit difficult to understand? How come Jesus said he had come for division, and not peace? Well... here's the Pope to explain it for you:

"Jesus is our peace... but this peace is not a peace of a tomb... This peace is not a compromise at any cost. Following Jesus involves... choosing goodness, peace, justice, even when that requires sacrifice".

Indeed, this message of sacrificing my will to follow God's will is so unappealing, almost the whole world (yes even some churches) will tell you that following God's goodness means being prosperous, having everything smooth sailing. We need to remember that choosing God's will more often than not means you are going against many other things of this world.

How would you choose? Where do you draw strength from?

Here's my suggestion:

have a good week. See you guys for prayer meeting on Sunday. It'll be exciting!

<3 bernie

Part 2: how to reduce stress

50 Ways To Reduce Stress

1. Mental prayer (meditation) every day. I pray the rosary every day.
2. Pray with Scripture daily.
3. Frequent The Sacraments - Mass as often as possible + monthly Confession.
4. Quickly forgive others when they mess up.
5. Forgive yourself when you mess up.
6. Go on a retreat.
7. Take several days off of work / your normal schedule.
8. Socialize with friends more often. Schedule if necessary.
9. Go on dates with your spouse.
10. Pray with your family.
11. Eat dinner with your family.
12. Learn to not worry about things you can't control.
13. Don't work to please other people. Please God.
14. Remember that you are wonderful and lovable, even if imperfect.
15. Smile more.
16. Do nice things for other people, just because.
17. Spend time playing with your kids.
18. Spend less time around negative people.
19. Have difficult conversations, in a loving way. Don't avoid them.
20. Work on your character flaws and poor communication skills.
21. Ask for help more often.
22. Be content with what your possessions. 
23. Exercise regularly.
24. Sleep more.
25. Laugh. 
26. Talk to a spiritual director regularly.
27. Learn from your mistakes.
28. Be OK with not controlling others.
29. Reduce your to-do list by distinguishing 'must' and 'should'.
30. Spend time with a pet.
31. Read more good books.
32. Listen to more good music.
33. Turn off the TV and do #32 and #32.
34. Spend time doing something you like to do.
35. Volunteer to help others.
36. Eat healthier.
37. Stop an unhealthy habit (overeating, smoking, drinking too much, etc.)
38. Temper the tone in your voice and the words you use when frustrated.
39. Realize what upsets you and create a plan on how to deal with it in the future.
40. Don't get upset in traffic or with other drivers. Slow down. Chill.
41. Say "no" more often if you are over-scheduled.
42. Don't procrastinate.
43. Don't lash out at others. 
44. Spend time improving yourself. This isn't greedy, it helps everyone around.
45. Question worrisome thoughts. Are they rational / probably / helpful?
46. Focus on the present. Not the past or future.
47. Keep a journal or diary as an outlet of your stress.
48. Say more positive things. I love you, you are wonderful, thanks, etc.
49. Stop wasting time reading blog posts, Facebook, etc.
50. Pray for an increase of faith and hope. Expect God will answer your prayer.

QOP community prayer

QOP YM Community Prayer

Lord Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son Jesus into this world to show us the depth of your love. From a young age, He followed Your will completely. He taught, forgave and healed people. He suffered, died and rose that we might have life. Thank you for the gift of Your Son.
We pray for us, the youth and young adults of the parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace. Give us courage and willing hearts to be the disciples of today. Help us to know, to love and to serve you with a youthful enthusiasm. To be a bridge of faith to those who seek you in prayer, community and service.
Bless us with happiness, charity, peace, faith, companionship, laughter, realization and direction as we discover Your will more fully in our lives.
We dedicate our work to building Your Kingdom on Earth and in our hearts. We entrust our ministry to the special care of Mary our Mother and St Dominic Savio. May their intercession aid us in doing your will wholeheartedly like Your Son Jesus.
L: Our Lady Queen of Peace
R: Pray for us
L: St Dominic Savio
R: Pray for us
---------------
Here is the background to the flow of the prayer.
First paragraph, we affirm our faith in the person of Jesus and thank God for his Son. That helps to put the rest of our prayer in a perspective of the love of God for us.
Second paragraph, we ask for God’s blessing on our ministry and for the graces to carry out our mission. We recognize that all the work we do is done with God in mind and with the help of his grace.
Third paragraph, we ask God to bless each of us personally, and help us to grow in our Christian virtues as we carry out the work He has called us to.
Fourth paragraph, we dedicate our work wholly and solely for God’s greater glory. We keep in mind that all the work we do belongs to God and we must always be humble in carrying it out like Jesus was. We ask our blessed mother and patron saint for their help.
Big acknowledgement to the Archdiocese of Tasmania, I got most of the structure of the prayer from their Youth Ministry prayer. It was so nicely laid out and approved by their Archbishop himself. Can’t go wrong there lol.

Quote from Pope Francis

"We need saints without cassocks, without veils.
We need saints with jeans and tennis shoes.
We need saints that go to the movies, that listen to music, that hang out with friends.
We need saints who put God in first place, ahead of succeeding in any career.

We need saints who look for time to pray every day and who know how to be in love with purity, chastity, and all good things.
We need saints, Saints of the 21st century with a spirituality appropriate to our new time.
We need saints that have a commitment to helping the poor and to make the needed social change.
We need saints to live in the world, to sanctify the world and to not be afraid of living in the world by their presence in it.

We need saints that drink Coca-Cola, that eat hot dogs, that surf the internet and that listen to their iPods.
We need saints that love the Eucharist, that are not afraid or embarrassed to eat a pizza or drink a beer with their friends.
We need saints who love the movies, dance, sports, theater.
We need saints that are open, sociable, normal, happy companions.
We need saints who are in this world and who know how to enjoy the best in this world without being callous or mundane.
We need saints."
–Pope Francis, World Youth Day 2013, Rio

Awesome!

My all time favourite quiet time/reconciliation song. The Lord will never abandon you just because you have sinned, instead he is more than willing to forgive you & embrace you once you are repentant and is willing to come home. (:

Father I have sinned,
Help me find my way
Remember not my sins,
Just let me hear you say

(Chorus)
I forgive you, I love you
You are mine, take my hand
Go in peace, sin no more,
Beloved one

Father I have turned
My back and walked away
Depended on my strength and loved life my own way
(Chorus)

Father I have closed,
My heart to those in need
Thought only of myself,
A victim of my greed

((Chorus)

Father I've returned,
I'm home with you to stay
Standing by your door,
Knowing that you'll say

(Chorus)

Please pray for the confirmants in this coming retreat, that their hearts will be opened to receive the awesome love and power of the Lord. That they will be able to experience God himself, as they become affirmed in their faith.

Please also pray for those attending Awaken tomorrow, that they will be fully renewed in the Spirit, to have that fresh conversion and inspire the rest of the people around them.

This is gonna be an spirit-filled week for both the confirmants, the facils and the Awaken participants! We are gonna storm heaven with our prayers! (:

Being a happy christian: from a view of a taxi driver

So the last few sessions of YM were about being hungry for God and how to be happy christians right?

A little background story:
Just the other day, after a long dry season of not being able to go home early, there came that one chance that i could leave work on time! However, something else cropped up, and that chance flew, really leaving 1 hr later. I was walking to the main road to wait for a taxi, when I saw one at the opposite direction, I was still rather far off from the road, but decided to try flagging anyway, and walk a little bit faster hoping the taxi will stop for me. and it did!
Boarding the cab, I stated my destination, 2 places actually as I was also dropping off some documents for another colleague of mine. The uncle suddenly clapped his hands and exclaimed, YAY! Woah, honestly I was a little shocked, what can he be so happy about right?

Throughout the journey, the uncle was laughing and singing happily. For a person (me) who have gone through a tiring day at work, his behaviour was a ltttle not normal, or rather too hyperactive for my comfort. But nevertheless, we started chatting. And as we were chatting, I noticed a cap on the dashboard, with "Praise the Lord" in front. So the thought that came was, "ok so he is Christian too"

We were in a jam on the road, I guess everyone was going home that day at that time. The uncle said to me, "You know I am really happy you boarded tha cab!" And he went further on to explain.. His first passenger took his taxi from the airport to Pasir Panjang - that makes a good start in his business that day, but so far! Then he picked up a Caucasian lady who wanted to go to Bugis - and he was like YAY! another good journey, he is going back to the east! And then he dropped another girl from Bugis to Selegie. Afterwards, he saw me, and I live in Changi - which means he will be going back to the airport after that!!! And he made a full circle, even though the beginning was uncertain. He proceeded on to say that God really provided for him that day as he was initially thinking how he was ever gonna get back to the airport if his first destination was so far away. But in the end, he decided to trust in the Lord, and just flow according to His way, and indeed truely He provided!

After that whole conversation, he started sharing light hearted jokes of the parliament, of anything under the sun that totally tickled me.. and when I left the cab, I was awake and happy! He talked about his family, and all the time, he keeps praising the Lord for what he has in his life now, and how thankful he is.

It's just a ride home, but throughout the ride, the sessions all came back to me, and it made sense! Only by being happy, looking happy, then other people around you will get affected and will listen to you. If we were grumpy all the time, who wants to talk to you, much less to know anything about you.

Have a great week everyone! (:

Universal Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration (2 June 2013, 11pm, Singapore time)

The Holy Father will be leading a worldwide hour of Eucharistic adoration today in Rome at 5pm (which is 11pm, Singapore time). There will be Holy Hour of prayer at Queen of Peace Church as well, for those of you who wish to join in. If you can't make it because it is too late, you can still join the universal church in prayer at home. That's the beauty of being Catholic isn't it?  :)

(Photo credit: CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Lastly, sharing with you a hymn which you can use in your reflection during Holy Hour. This is my personal favourite - a lovely, lovely hymn to be savoured slowly.

Ave Verum Corpus

Ave, ave, verum corpus  natum de Maria Virgine,  Vere passum immolatum in Cruce pro homine, Cujus latus perforatum unda fluxitet sanguine, Esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine.

Hail,true body born of the Virgin Mary, Who truly suffered, sacrificed on the Cross for man, Whose pierced side overflowed with water and blood, Be for us a foretaste In the test of death.

Hungry, and happy

Sorry, I have been slacking on the posts but today is such a huge feast for the Catholic Church and we had a pretty good session, so I felt we had to share.

Today is Corpus Christi - Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. Angele prepared a really good session that helped us to reflect beyond the fact that Christ died for us, and left the wonderful gift of the Eucharist - his Body and Blood - to nourish us. The question is: do we hunger for him? Do we yearn to receive him each time we come to worship at mass? Or are we so 'filled' with busy schedules and things that temporarily makes us "full" and "happy", but ultimately doesn't give us any nourishment and instead makes us more and more tired each day, feel emptier inside and draw us further and further away from God?

Each of us have a different and unique spiritual journey which we walk individually with God. Even when we stay away from church or are lukewarm in our faith, Jesus is still waiting for us to open the doors of our hearts to him. All we need really is to crank open the door - even just a little - to let Him in bit by bit, day by day and fill our lives with his goodness. And the Eucharist is that spiritual nourishment that can help strengthen our faith journey.

Jesus promised us food that will satisfy and water that will quench our thirst. So be open to this promise - to seek Him daily wherever we go and bring Him to those whom we meet each day, since we have Him in us when we partake in holy communion. At the end of each mass, we are sent forth to "glorify the Lord by our lives". To glorify God doesn't mean we stay away from other non-Christians and huddle among ourselves. We ought to go and share Christ with others by our actions. Not that we have to adopt the ways of the world - no! It means doing the will of God even when it is difficult, bearing problems that come our way with a smile and a good sense of humour while acknowledging the difficulties we face. No one would want to get to know God if they see us Christians always moody, complaining, grumpy and 'sian'. The key to facing challenges and difficulties is to trust God completely to help us in our time of need, to believe that He always answers our prayers in the way He knows that is the best for us and at a time of His choosing. 

So, even if you are at a point in your life when you don't feel like God is answering your prayers, or there are too many things bothering you and you feel you are slacking in your spiritual life, take heart and have faith. Spend some time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to give you the grace to come back to God, to receive the Eucharist, to strengthen you on your journey with Him. And pray to always hunger for Jesus Christ in your life.

I'll like to leave you with a quote and a song, which sums up today's session well. 

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.” - St. Augustine of Hippo

Hungry (Falling on my Knees) 

by Kathryn Scott

Hungry, I come to you

For I know You satisfy

I am empty, but I know

Your love does not run dry

So I wait for you

So I wait for you

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all of me

Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

Broken, I run to You

For your arms are open wide

I'm weary, but I know

Your touch restores my life

So I wait for you

So I wait for you

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all of me

Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

So I wait for you

So I wait for you

So I wait for you

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all of me

Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

Help, I'm falling on my knees

Offering all of me

Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

Hungry, I come to you

For I know You satisfy

~~~~

What's in a smile?

I was attending a talk by Fr JJ Fenelon last Saturday on liturgy, and something he said strike me:

At the final blessing, we are sent forth "to glorify the Lord" by our lives. Which is why even if we offer a smile or a greeting to people we meet, we are in fact passing on Christ to others.

Wow! Have you ever thought about that?

So I did an experiment: on Sunday, when I was doing my hike training, I tried smiling and greeting people whom I came across along the way. Most people either avoid eye contact or look away, but there are those who returned a smile and a greeting. I remembered in particular an old uncle whom I first came across at the Tanjong Rhu park connector, and later again at the Marina Bay area (he was cycling). He recognised me and said "hi" again the second time around.

I think many people are shy or surprised when a stranger greet them or smile at them, because it's not that common here in our country. It's kinda sad, don't you think? We should be happy to pass on a greeting - and Christ - to people we meet, be it a stranger or a schoolmate or workplace colleague whom we don't know very well.

Maybe you can start your own little "daily experiment" and share your results with us.

A Marian Prayer to learn

I saw this from ShareCatholic's Facebook page and wanted to share with you. Set it with one of my favourite drawing of Mother Mary (can't remember where I saw it, so sorry for not attributing to the correct source).

Inviting you to pray this prayer daily during this month of May. =)

May is the month of Mary!

(Image courtesy of happysaints.com)

Here's a little video by Fra. Joseph Mary (Haha, nice name... he has both St. Joseph and Mother Mary!) about the Immaculate Conception. Why do we give this title - which effectively means "conceived perfectly and without flaw" - to Mother Mary? What is the biblical origins of this title?

This video will give you the answer.

Pope Francis' message on the Feast of St. Joseph

Labour Day (1 May) was also the Feast of St. Joseph, Jesus' earthly father who is also known as the patron saint of workers. Pope Francis delivered a wonderful message about the importance and dignity of work on the feastday. He noted that in many countries, young people face unemployment and he urged leaders of the world to look into create jobs for people. The full message can be read here - doesn't take 5 mins to read, and I encourage you to read it.

In particular, he had this to say to you:

"And then I would like to speak especially to you young people: be committed to your daily duties, your study, your work, to relationships of friendship, to helping towards others; your future also depends on how you live these precious years of your life. Do not be afraid of commitment, of sacrifice, and do not look with fear towards the future; keep your hope alive: there is always a light on the horizon."

In our country, we do not dream of a time where there is a lack of opportunities for work, but in so many countries this is not the case. So before we complain that school is tough and work is difficult, let us thank God for the opportunities that we have been given in this land, and pray for those people who don't have as much opportunities as us - that their lives take a turn for the better.

Love in a box

So inspired by Fr Aloysius Ong's homily on Sunday that I made this today... (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

"I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.

This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

- John 13:34 and 35

Today's little reminder... From Pope Francis

Here's little something posted by Ignatian Press on Facebook. (=

What pierces your heart?

I just saw this drawing about vocation and went "wow, God you are amazing! Another blessing to us this week??".

He is so generous, isn't He? =)

Some of you may know I am looking for a job now, and searching in my heart the kind of job I want to do next that allows me to make a difference in the world. And this drawing speaks volumes to me.

Even if you are still studying in school, this one is for you. Whatever course you choose, and whatever subject you study, look towards those that speak to your heart. Because that is probably what God intends for you. Because He would have put that in your DNA when He made you.

I never did very well in my studies but I really started taking greater interest in studying when I went to the university and took courses I liked in the Arts & Social Sciences faculty. I also enjoyed my junior college years, when I did Art and Literature. That was when I knew I had a flair in arts related subjects and that was where my heart sings.

It has been like this in the past 15 years at work: doing work that I enjoy, using my gifts (I hope) for His glory. And God has blessed me with wonderful work experiences.

I am near to getting a new job - something that speaks to me - and I ask you to pray for me, for discernment and for a sign that this is the correct direction to head in my next adventure.

If you have any prayer request, feel free to leave it in the comments section.

Let's pray for each other!

P/S: image courtesy of musician Jackie Francois' Facebook. Drawn by Bill Donaghy

More on picking yourself up

Wow. It keeps coming, doesn't it?

My last entry was about being under-appreciated and today a friend of mine came to me with the same problem that I had on Tuesday.

God doesn't give you a problem for nothing. I truly believe in "God-incidence" - coincidences that happen to you, which is actually part of God's plan to bless someone else.

And so I shared with her about focusing on what is important in her life, instead of which areas in her life that she feels under-appreciated.

And then I saw today's first reading from 1st letter of St. Peter. It's quite apt really, and a timely reminder that we must first submit to God in humility, so He can raise us up at the appropriate time.

So here is part of the reading.
I hope this blesses you.

"Beloved:
Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for

God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.

To him be dominion forever. Amen."

Choices

Hi all, it's Tuesday and soon the "mid-week valley" - as I like to call Wednesday - would be here.

I was feeling kinda down just now because of a short argument, and it made me feel under-appreciated.

Then I recalled last Sunday's session with Sr Kim and Sr Wendy from the Daughters of St Paul Society about gratitude with what God has given you, and using them to the greatest purpose. And I remembered what Angele had put on her FB wall after the session:

"If you have to choose: to be angry at what you don't have or grateful for what you have, what would be your choice?"

Indeed, when I look at my list, I know I am blessed with far more than what I deserve.

So, a tip to share with you: in your prayer time tonight make a list of what you are grateful for in your life today (or if you already have that list from Sunday's session, whip it out and look again). Put it in your wallet. When you hit a situation like what I had today, take it or and remind yourself that you can focus on what God had blessed you with and use them for His glory.

Have a blessed rest of the day!

Happy Vocation Sunday!

I am sitting in front of our Lady's statue at the grotto and noticed this little creature nibbling at the leaves of a shrub. And it reminded me of this verse in the psalm:

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. " - Psalm 150:6

Yes, even this caterpillar is praising God, trying to grow outta itself so it becomes a beautiful butterfly!

As long as we are living the vocation God is pointing us to, we are praising God.

Abraham's trust

I mentioned in my last post that we shared about Abraham, Mary and Thomas and their faith in God during Sunday's session.  

I would like to invite you to take a closer look at Abraham's faith.

Christians all over acknowledge Abraham as the Father of Faith. To find out why this is so, read Genesis 12 and 22 for the stories about God calling Abraham to go to the Promised Land, and sacrifice of Isaac. Here's something I wanna share from Genesis 12:

"Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house and go to a land which I am going to show you..."

The bold emphasis is mine. 

Did you notice how this was phrased? God doesn't tell Abraham where that piece of land is. He just said to go to a land... It's a land... somewhere.... And yet, Abraham up and walks. And he was 75! Think about the courage and the faith Abraham had to do this at such an old age!

And again, in Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by telling him to take Isaac - the son whom God gave to him in his old age - and sacrifice him in the land of Moriah. And when Isaac asked where the lamb for the sacrifice is, Abraham's response was: "God will himself will provide one."

I don't think Abraham's words were just bravado. He truly believed that God will provide the lamb. He trusted God. The fact that he even took the first step towards Moriah showed how much faith and trust he had in God. 

Certainly, he must have done this with a heavy heart - probably not understanding why God would command him to sacrifice the son whom God himself gave. 

Does that sound familiar? Are there times when things happen to you, and you wonder: why, God? Why me? Why did this horrible thing have to happen to me? I don't understand.

It's times like these that it's useful for us to refer back to Genesis 12 and 22, and take Abraham as an example: to take that first step towards the unknown and trust in God anyway. To trust and believe that He will himself will provide for us. When we are troubled. When we are weak. When we are hurt. When we feel we can't carry on.

And, to pray for grace to trust God, when we feel doubt in our hearts. Because, sometimes, trusting God can be a very daunting and scary thing, especially in things that mean a lot to us. But I wanna leave you with this thought:

I love nature, and when I travel I like to photograph wild flowers that I see along the way. Here's one.

Why do I love looking at wild flowers? 

It's because, through them, I learn a little about the nature of God: how precise and careful he is in his creation. The blend of colors in every petal - from white, blending into pale pink, then light purple, then a brilliant and brighter shade of purple. And it always looks beautiful.

If God can be so precise and careful with even a wild flower, what about me and my life? Would he be sloppy about it? I highly doubt it.

So, trust that the God of precision and perfection will provide you with nothing less than the best. 

Just look at Abraham.

Faith is...

Good morning, everyone!

Here's something I hope will bless your day: in our session on Sunday, Angele shared with us from Hebrews 11:1 about faith -

"To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see."

We also looked at the actions of three people - Abraham, Mary and Thomas (yes, even The Doubting Thomas!) to learn more about what faith is (more about that in the next few posts).

Meanwhile, I found this from Crosscards.com, which gives a very practical lesson about putting faith into action.

I hope it blesses your day.

love, bernie

Beautiful!

Saw this on The Divine Mercy Facebook page and had to share it with you guys.

Isn't it beautiful?!

This photo was taken on the Sunday that just passed (7 April) in Mindanao, Philippines. It was the Feast of Divine Mercy, and this was a celebration of the feast. 

Seeing this picture, it really feels like God was speaking to the people present there, as well as  you and I who have the privilege to see this photo. 

In case you wanna know more about the Divine Mercy and how to pray the chaplet, click to read more. These are the three messages of the Divine Mercy:


A— Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and
asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon the whole world.

B— Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to
extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does to us.

C— Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that the graces of His mercy are dependent upon our trust. The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will receive.

Another thing I learnt about the Divine Mercy is that Jesus feels very sad about people who are lukewarm in faith. So let's pray for our friends and family who are lukewarm in their faith, or perhaps even for own healing if we are lukewarm in our faith.

Remember: we just have to ask for Jesus' mercy. Nothing is impossible with God.

Hi there!

I'm trying my hand at this, blogging and sharing our faith with you, dear YM. =) so please welcome me! (I hear distant applause, haha)

Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, which is traditionally celebrated on March 25. But because that fell on Holy Week this year, the church shifted it to today - April 8.

Why is this such an important solemnity that our Church has to create a special day to commemorate it?
Well, let's just say... if Annunciation didn't happen, and Mary didn't say 'yes' to God's invitation to be Jesus' mother... we won't even be having this YM blog, would we? =)

Makes me wonder how often God invites you and I to partner him in his plans, don't you think?

Found a cute little image on happysaints.com, one of my favourite sites these days. Feel free to visit the site - this artist does really cute images of saints and major feasts of the Catholic Church daily.

Enjoy!
+ love,
bernie