Monday, November 29, 2010

Quotes About Advent


"Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope.…
It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Seek That Which Is Above,1986

"Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.
"An old abbot was fond of saying, ‘The devil is always the most active on the highest feast days.’
"The supreme trick of Old Scratch is to have us so busy decorating, preparing food, practicing music and cleaning in preparation for the feast of Christmas that we actually miss the coming of Christ. Hurt feelings, anger, impatience, injured egos—the list of clouds that busyness creates to blind us to the birth can be long, but it is familiar to us all."

Edward Hays, A Pilgrim’s Almanac, p. 196

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
A loss of interest in judging other people.
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
A loss of interest in conflict.
A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
Frequent attacks of smiling.
An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many.

Don’t think that love, to be true, has to be extraordinary. What is necessary is to continue to love. How does a lamp burn, if it is not by the continuous feeding of little drops of oil? When there is no oil, there is no light and the bridegroom will say: “I do not know you”. Dear friends, what are our drops of oil in our lamps? They are the small things from every day life: the joy, the generosity, the little good things, the humility and the patience. A simple thought for someone else. Our way to be silent, to listen, to forgive, to speak and to act. That are the real drops of oil that make our lamps burn vividly our whole life. Don’t look for Jesus far away, He is not there. He is in you, take care of your lamp and you will see Him.”

Mother Teresa

Sunday, November 28, 2010

First Sunday of Advent

O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ,desire of every nation,
Savior of all peoples,come and dwell among us.

From Christmas Prayers, Victor Hoagland, C.P.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Hares and Rabbits

JM with a giant she rabbit . . . . .

and a giant he rabbit at the Siam Paragon.

Full Moon

As seen from home at 6:15 PM, November 21, 2010.

Solemnity of Christ the King

Christ Jesus, I acknowledge You King of the universe.
All that has been created has been made for You.
Make full use of Your rights over me.
I renew the promises I made in Baptism,
when I renounced Satan and all his pomps and works,
and I promise to live a good Christian life
and to do all in my power to procure
the triumph of the rights of God
and Your Church. Divine Heart of Jesus,
I offer you my efforts in order to obtain that all hearts
may acknowledge your Sacred Royalty,
and that thus the Kingdom of Your peace
may be established throughout the universe.
Amen.

To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King


Sunday, November 14, 2010

Christmas is in the Air

This is the first ever Christmas scene we've seen here in Bangkok, a giant Christmas tree surrounded by elves snowmen.

The biggest snow elvesman of them all with a microphone in hand.

JM at the foot of the giant Christmas tree . . .

and posing in staircase lined with elves snowmen.

Father and son in a souvenir photo.

Japanese Lunch

After Sunday mass and CCD class, we decided to eat Japanese food for lunch. Although I was a bit hesitant to try it (I'm not a fan of Japanese food), I gave it a go. The food was good and filling and the atmosphere was truly Japanese at Yayoi Restaurant, Bangkok. JM above sits on a wooden bench while waiting for his order.

He loved the food ! Delicious and he wants a second order.

My lunch, Japanese rice, tofu soup, salad and mackerel with teriyaki sauce. Healthy and yummy !

Altar Servers

JM, holds the Lectionary during the recessional in this mornings CCD Sunday mass.

Cool !!!

JM on a magazine cover. Love it !!!


Saturday, November 13, 2010

Advent is Around the Corner


Advent is one of the seasons of the Church year within the Catholic church and some other denominational churches.It is the four weeks prior to Christmas; the intent of Advent is to prepare spiritually for celebrating the birthday of Jesus.


The word advent means a time of change, a time to look inward and discover those things in our lives we need to change to become a better person. This means adding things to our life to improve ourselves and ridding our life of things, which prevent us from being more like Jesus in our relationships.


Taking time prior to Christmas, to focus on who Jesus is and how faithfully we are to living His commands, to love God and neighbor as ourselves is a good practice. Jesus came to save us from sin. Advent helps us focus on gratitude and love for Jesus whose birth we celebrate on Christmas.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

All Souls Day

Heavenly Father, You sent Christ Jesus your Son to wash away the sins of all mankind through His perfect sacrifice,and you cleansed our departed brothers and sisters in the waters of baptism. May His perfect sacrifice free them from the power of death and give them eternal life. In your mercy, O Lord, grant them eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine on them forever. + Amen.

Requiem Æternam

Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine,et lux perpétua lúceat eis.Requiéscant in pace. Amen.


Monday, November 1, 2010

The Solemnity of All Saints

Christ Glorified in the Court of Heaven Fra Angelico - 1428-30, Tempera on wood - National Gallery, London

"The glorious company of the apostles praise Thee. The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise Thee. The white-robed army of martyrs praise Thee. All Thy saints and elect with one voice do acknowledge Thee, O Blessed Trinity, one God!"

Antiphon at Lauds. from the Te Deum