Two weeks ago on a Sunday morning in Holy Family Church

About two weeks ago the Parish Priest, Father William Michael talked about the Story of the Adulteress from the book of John 5:38--8:11. For those who have not read this Gospel, you can do so here. The main focus of this story touches on the forgiving and merciful heart of Jesus. However, Father William chose to look at Jesus in this touching story differently. The Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in the act of adultery for judgement. As a test, the pharisees suggested the Adulteress be stoned to death but Jesus disappointed them and responded by saying, "Whoever among you is guiltless may be the first to throw a stone at her.” The Pharisees then one-by-one walked away and left Jesus alone with the Adulteress. Jesus then said to the Adulteress, "Go, and from now on do not sin anymore". What this says to me is, we are all sinners, you and me. We can try our best to live as Jesus did but we will still fall and He will ALWYS be there to catch us if we only ASK and ALLOW Him. This story has always touched me and it is always a reminder to like Jesus 1. not judge anyone, ever; 2. forgive and forgive again. Surprsingly, that Sunday, Father William mentioned nothing about judging and forgiveness. He instead spoke of gentleness. God was speaking to me and he said very simply, "Pu Ei, be gentle. Have a gentle spirit." It hit me like a ton of bricks. Jesus wasn't just forgiving with the Adulteress, he was gentle. He treated her with gentleness and softness. This is what I need to be. Gentle. And this is what I pray for daily, to have a gentle spirit like Jesus.

The priest also spoke of humility. This is one of my favorites. In many ways, Jesus has called me to be humble. It's something I need to work on daily. Pray for a humble heart. There is so much to read and learn on humility. Check this site out, Humility.

Mass a week ago was celebrated by Arichbishop Murphy Pakiam. 75 people were being Confirmed. Hey, they didn't get slapped on the cheek like I did! The Bishop just gave them a tap on the shoulder. His sermon was long but simple and direct and more importantly easier to understand compared to the St Francis Xavier's jesuits. Basically, he was talking to the newly confirmed most of whom were teenagers. What really touched me was his advise to pray 1. for a heart to love Jesus more and 2. for a humble heart. Again humility. Such simple words with such deep meaning.

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
— Matthew 5:5