Ching Ming - Easter

"The parallel themes of death-new life in the Ching Ming-Easter events also focused our attention on the issue of pain, sorrow and suffering. The Christian hope does not lie in a form of escapism from this world in order to achieve eternal bliss in an abstract, disembodied existence elsewhere. Isn’t this otherworldly pie-in-the-sky dream the subject of much Marxist critique for dulling people’s pains to real oppressions?

The bodily resurrection of Christ is a radically contrasting solution as an open, historical event that happened in space-time continuum. As such, it is open to public scrutiny and rational investigation of its claims. What God has done in Christ, He would do on a cosmic scale for our fundamentally good but sin-corrupted creation. The world will be ultimately transformed into new heaven and new earth, not abandoned like a prison. Our physical bodies of suffering will be resurrected with glory, honor and incorruptibility. Having seen the ravages of sin, we would not desire to sin any longer in a material existence that is empowered by the Spirit. There will be no more sickness, decay or violence for God will wipe away every tear and restore all that is beautiful, noble and true.

Similar to C.S. Lewis’ vision of heaven in The Great Divorce, the future renewed world will be more substantial, more tangible and more solid than the world as we know it. If the present creation will not be abandoned but transformed, then the resurrection of Christ promises and calls the church to be heralds and agents of that new creation. In the meantime, we are to work in the here-and-now in anticipation of the eschatological vision such that we could have a foretaste of its future glory.

However, exceedingly more than the peace and joys of everlasting life, reunion with beloved ones, the splendor of the new creation and the wondrous adventures and fulfilling work in which it is possible, and perfected bodies which never experience pain, we look forward to an unveiled fellowship with the infinitely glorious and supremely personal Triune God. Greater than all the gifts of resurrected life is the ever-loving Giver Himself, who even gave Himself so that we may indeed behold and savor and worship Him forever." -- Chang Wei Hao

Campus Alive

I was browsing through some blogs and found out this one, and exclaimed "Wow, that's so cool!" (mind the cliche). It is so encouraging to see my little fishy that I introduced last 2 years remained, and improvised, and they are coming up with cool T-shirts, and a blog too! Truly I hope that CA will continue to be an avenue for students to spice up their campus life and grow in Christ. Well done!

Unite

Webber : Schaff does say that there is a principle of separation to bring about a correction. When that correction has been achieved, we ought quickly to unite again with the group from which we separated. He was using that with regard to the whole Protestant world and saying the Protestant world left the Catholic church for a correction. Once that correction has been made, he said, we should reunite again with the Catholic church.

CT : We'll have a hard time agreeing with each other on when that should happen.

Webber : Right.

Post-modernism

Stress

A Student's Prayer

Ineffable Creator . . .

You are proclaimed
the true font of light and wisdom,
and the primal origin
raised high beyond all things.

Pour forth a ray of Your brightness
into the darkened places of my mind;
disperse from my soul
the twofold darkness
into which I was born:
sin and ignorance.

You make eloquent the tongues of infants.
Refine my speech
and pour forth upon my lips
the goodness of Your blessing.

Grant to me
keenness of mind,
capacity to remember,
skill in learning,
subtlety to interpret,
and eloquence in speech.

May You
guide the beginning of my work,
direct its progress,
and bring it to completion.
You Who are true God and true Man,
Who live and reign, world without end.

Amen.

St. Thomas Aquinas
Raccolta #764, Pius XI Studiorum Ducem, 1923.

Soulmate

MPs using BM

I am appalled with the quality of BM of which some MPs used.

Be Thou My Vision

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand

‘...this is a significant public project of which there have been undeniably high public architectural expectations... Complex structural and environmental building systems have been thoroughly integrated, and a high level of technical and construction proficiency is found throughout.... With Te Papa having become New Zealand’s most visited building, the architects have clearly met client and curatorial demands’

Te Papa is New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences.

New Zealand's geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand's indigenous people, the Mäori, are celebrated in Te Papa's permanent exhibitions, while Te Papa's Marae is a vibrant contemporary meeting house and a living communal centre, unique in a museum.

An exciting range of exhibitions display New Zealand's diverse art and visual culture and top-rating international exhibitions tour regularly. Te Papa's event programme features free events and entertainment, performances, floortalks, lectures, and more.

I Wanna Go!

Updates

May 10 - Shared the first part of Church History (Apostolic Age - Great Schism). Text-only notes available here

May 11 - Rest. Watched Spiderman 3 with Suren and Muhammad on Queen St.

May 12 - Vaipaage's 21st Birthday. Forgot to attend.

May 13 - Church Service Sermon - Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Bruce Patrick. Download

May 18 - Second part of Church History by Hsen-Han (Great Schism - Today).

May 19 - Brought new sneakers for tramping.

May 20 - Went to Coromandel for tramping trip with Mel, Zen, Nat, Neil, Nick. Met with car accident when we almost reach Kauranga Valley. Head hit windscreen. Changed plan to Mt. Manganui and Tauranga instead. Watched Perfect Stranger movie in Tauranga, starring Halle Barry and Bruce Willis.

May 21 - Came back. Sleep. Night Crossroads Service Sermon - "Advancing the Kingdom of God" by Dave Wakefield. Raised few issues with Mel at home about some theological perspectives on the Kingdom of God.

May 22 - Got back my MSS Test paper which I did very badly.

May 23 - I am here.

Failure

Lingkupiku

Lingkupiku, dengan sayap-Mu

Naungiku, dalam kuasa-Mu

Di saat badai bergelora

Ku akan terbang bersama-Mu

Bapa Kau Raja atas semesta

Ku tenang s'bab Kau Allahku

Jiwaku tenang, dalam Kristus

Lihat kuasa-Nya dalam keheningan

Di saat badai bergelora

Ku akan terbang bersama-Mu

Bapa Kau Raja atas semesta

Ku tenang sbab Kau Allahku

-- Lagu Jacqlien Celosse, Maranatha Music

Blogs That Made Me Think

Thanks to Hedonese for the Thinking Blogger Award. Made me "kembang hidung" for a while knowing that he thinks that I am thinking, but mostly my post are just plagiarism from other people's post (with and without due references) haha.

I've not being doing much thinking lately due to pure laziness and tiredness. Blogging gave me some break from studies, like crack for the addict, and I suffer from withdrawal symptoms when I don't blog (eg: uncontrolled finger shaking, constantly checking in case someone left comment on my blogs etc.). Well, here it is, 5 blogs that made me think! (For those who are not listed, that means you are not posting thinking stuff enough. Try harder next time! :P)

1. His Most Serene Highness Lord Hedonese the Proclaimer of Divine Intervention, the founder of Agora, Total Truth and Open Source, activist, theologian, bible exegete, thinker, philosopher, blogger, mystic, lover, reader, friend etc. Bringing the Kingdom to the marketplace.

2. DiscordantDude, an econs lecturer and theology student who has a lot of interest ranging from poetry, activism, academia and the arts. Part of the Rebelution, I know he is an interesting guy although I've never met him before, haha. Wonders of the internet.

3. Joey De La Paz, Phillipino minister to the Thais. A fellow blogger whom I read occasionally, and since he linked me up to his blog, I begin to regularly read him. Often posts profound reflection on his ministry and theological thought, about contextualisation, mission, liberation theology, christian witness etc.

4. Chris, a fellow Geng Salib comrade, Singaporean, Kiwi, Asian. Typical smart-ass philosopher whom often fall into great depression and angst engaging in great thinking and blogging, lol. A psychology graduate, now living in urban Singapore, but not consumed by materialism, consumerism and individualism.

5. Tania Lim, intellectual type armchair philosopher who also often fall into great depression and angst when engaging in great thoughtful debates, thinking and blogging. Very much against animal cruelty, intellectual pursuit of Truth, law, human rights and reaching out to internationals.

6. Akal Muda, someone who linked me a few years ago, whom I regularly read until today. Thoughtful posts about politics, academia and current issues, with wide range of vocab. Fan of campus activism, Sufi poetry, and critical thinking.

Blogs which nearly made into the list (keep it up!): Manifestogwl, Aetospen, DanieltheFollower, enilit, heartzofgold, cowkiwisheep, i_am_amzar

Those who are tagged, would have to tag five more thinking blogs, and link the post back to mine.

Church History for Dummies

The presentation went well. Church History for Dummies was successful in creating awareness and interest of Christian students in university to explore the richness of the early church history and to apply historical knowledge to their day-to-day Christian living.

Some people thanked me for the presentation and I felt encouraged. At least my effort of spending almost 8-10 hours researching, summarizing and reorganising my presentation was worthwhile, and a good learning experience too.

Will post more about my reflections and the link for download too. Thanks for the prayers and encouragement.

Ayam jantan merah bertaji,

Masak seekor ayuh berjamu,

Sejarah gereja sama mengaji,

Ilmu dituntut tiadalah jemu.

Early Christian Prayer for the Authorities

Give us, O Master,

peace and concord even as you did to our forefathers

when they called devoutly upon you in faith and truth

and make us obedient to your own almighty and all holy name

and to all who have hte rule and governance over us upon earth.

For it is you, Lord

who in your supreme and ineffable might

has given them their sovereign authority

to the intent that we, acknowledging the glory and honour

you have bestowed upon them,

should show them all submission

Grant to them health and peace, harmony and security

that they may exercise without offence

the sovereignty which you have given them

-- Clement of Rome

Speak of Christ

"When we are speaking about truth and life and redemption,
we are speaking about Christ.

When we speak of wisdom,
we are speaking about Christ.

When we speak about virtue,
we are speaking about Christ.

When we speak about justice,
we are speaking about Christ.

When we are speaking about truth and life and redemption,
we are speaking about Christ."

-- Ambrose, bishop of Milan, biblical exegete, political theorist, master of Latin eloquence, musician, and teacher.

Church History - An Overview

This Thursday I will be sharing about the first 1000 years of the history of the Church, thanks to Hsen Han. Seriously I do not have enough knowledge at the first place to share, but I shall try my best to give an overview from the Early Church until the Great Schism.

Many people look at history with a cynical look. Some look at it as a boredom, some look at it as irrelevant, some look at it as fun and exciting. The challenge that I thought most crucial is to take the bits and pieces of history and join the dots, and make it exciting and applicable in our lives today.

Most important of all, the ultimate reason we study history is to see Christ glorified through the story of His bride, the Church; its strengh and weaknesses. Besides, the story of the past should be part of our own story that will be passed down generation to generation.

May we be blessed with the session this Thursday. I covet your prayers.

Mamak Food Night

Solitude

Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.
Sir Edward Gibbon


Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.
May Sarton


In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds.
Richard J. Foster

Christian?

"I love Christ, but I don't see how I can call myself a Christian, because I don't know what that word means anymore.” - Moby

Kepala Yang Berdarah

Kepala yang berdarah,

tertunduk dan sedih,

penuh dengan sengsara

dan luka yang pedih,

meski mahkota duri

menghina harkatMu

Kau patut kukagumi:

Terima hormatku

O wajah yang mulia,

yang patut disembah

dan layak menerima

pujian dunia,

sekarang diludahi,

dihina dicerca,

disiksa, dilukai ---

yang salah siapakah?

Ya Tuhan, yang Kautanggung

yaitu salahku;

dosaku t'lah Kaugantung

di kayu salibMu.

O, kasihani daku

yang harus dicela;

ampunilah hambaMu

beri anugerah!

Gembala yang setia

terima dombaMu!

Kau Sumber bahagia,

penuntun hidupku.

SabdaMu t'lah membuka

karunia tak terp'ridan

nikmat dari sorga

padaku Kauberi.

Syukur sebulat hati

kub'rikan padaMu

ya Yesus yang t'lah mati

demi selamatku.

Hendaklah 'ku terhibur

dengan tuntunanMu:

padaMu 'ku berlindung

di akhir hayatku.

Di saat aku mati,

Kau tinggallah serta;

di pintu maut nanti,

ya Tuhan, datanglah!

Di kala kecemasan

menghimpit hatiku,

berilah kekuatan

berkat sengsaraMu.

Engkaulah Perlindungan

di saat ajalku;

SalibMulah, ya Tuhan,

penghibur anakMu

dan wajahMu kupandang

dengan iman teguh.

Berbahagia orang

yang mati dalamMu!

-- Kidung Jemaat, Dengarkan

Mystical Poems

We are as the Flute

We are as the flute, and the music in us is from thee;
we are as the mountain and the echo in us is from thee.

We are as pieces of chess engaged in victory and defeat:
our victory and defeat is from thee,
O thou whose qualities are comely!

Who are we, O Thou soul of our souls,
that we should remain in being beside thee?

We and our existences are really non-existence;
thou art the absolute Being which manifests the perishable.

We all are lions, but lions on a banner:
because of the wind they are rushing
onward from moment to moment.

Their onward rush is visible,
and the wind is unseen:
may that which is unseen not fail from us!

Our wind whereby we are moved and our being are of thy gift;
our whole existence is from thy bringing into being.

The Intellectual Quest

The intellectual quest is exquisite like pearls and coral,
But it is not the same as the spiritual quest.
The spiritual quest is on another level altogether,
Spiritual wine has a subtler taste.
The intellect and the senses investigate cause and effect.
The spiritual seeker surrenders to the wonder.

-- Jalaluddin Rumi, a Sufi', great mystic and great poet. His poetry is vibrant with the energy and illumination of a saint who has reached a consciousness beyond the ordinary experiences of man.

Open Source Mission

Open Source Mission is a global initiative to make gospel centered resources accessible to the non-English speaking world. We accomplish this mission by translating contemporary Christian books and articles from English into a number of foreign languages by leveraging the power of mass collaboration.

____________________________

We believe that having access to biblically sound resources is a strategically important need for the non-Western church. We have an opportunity to bridge the translation gap and make these resources available in various languages.

Malaysian Food Night

If you happen to be in Auckland City and miss Malaysia for no good reason, do drop by at our UMSA Malaysian Food Night themed "Mamak". Served with a galore of South Indian cuisine of Banana Leaf rice (without the leaf), with chicken and lamb perattal (dry curry), roti canai, dhall, papadom, tumeric cabbage, tomato chutney, payasam and teh tarik, not forgetting our ever famous Mission Bay's movenpick ice-cream. There will be fun games, entertaining skits and great company.

Grab your tickets from the Quad today!

5th May 2007, 6.30pm

University of Auckland Marae

Woman

Woman or Beauty or Knowledge, you can only have one, having three or none is still a tragedy.

Practicing Humility

Here are a few suggestions on practicing humility:

There are times when swallowing one’s pride is particularly difficult and any intentions of humility fly out the window, as we get engaged in a contest of perfection, each side seeking to look good. If you find yourself in such no-win situations, consider developing some strategies to ensure that the circumstances don’t lead you to lose your grace. Try this sometimes: just stop talking and allow the other person to be in the limelight. There is something very liberating in this strategy.

Here are three magical words that will produce more peace of mind than a week at an expensive retreat: “You are right.”

Catch yourself if you benignly slip into over preaching or coaching without permission – is zeal to impose your point of view overtaking discretion? Is your correction of others reflective of your own needs?

Seek others’ input on how you are showing up in your leadership path. Ask: “How am I doing?” It takes humility to ask such a question. And even more humility to consider the answer.

Encourage the practice of humility in your company through your own example: every time you share credit for successes with others, you reinforce the ethos for your constituents. Consider mentoring or coaching emerging leaders on this key attribute of leadership.

Practise saying, "I don't know".

Humility

Words have enormous power. They can make us erupt into laughter or bring tears to our eyes. They can influence, inspire, manipulate and shock. They can build and destroy. Some words have different effects on different people. One such word is humility. It is one of those words that are seldom in neutral gear. Some, like me, love the word and all it stands for. Some almost fear it and interpret it synonymously with lack of self-confidence or timidity...

The dictionary defines humility as modesty, lacking pretence, not believing that you are superior to others. An ancillary definition includes: “Having a lowly opinion of oneself, meekness”...

We often confuse humility with timidity. Humility is not clothing ourselves in an attitude of self-abasement or self-denigration. Humility is all about maintaining our pride about who we are, about our achievements, about our worth – but without arrogance – it is the antithesis of hubris, that excessive, arrogant pride which often leads to the derailment of some corporate heroes, as it does with the downfall of the tragic hero in Greek drama. It’s about a quiet confidence without the need for a meretricious selling of our wares. It’s about being content to let others discover the layers of our talents without having to boast about them. It’s a lack of arrogance, not a lack of aggressiveness in the pursuit of achievement...

An interesting dichotomy is that, often, the higher people rise, the more they have accomplished, the higher the humility index. Those who achieve the most brag the least, and the more secure they are in themselves, the more humble they are. “True merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes”. (Edward Frederick Halifax)...

Humility is also a meta-virtue. It crosses into an array of principles. For example, we can safely declare that there cannot be authenticity without humility. Why? Because, there is always a time in a leader’s journey when one will be in a situation of not having all the answers. Admitting this and seeking others’ input requires some humility...

Another mark of a leader who practices humility is his or her treatment of others. Such leaders treat everyone with respect regardless of position. Years ago, I came across this reference: the sign of a gentleman is how he treats those who can be of absolutely no use to him...

Something interesting happens, too, when we approach situations from a perspective of humility: it opens us up to possibilities, as we choose open-mindedness and curiosity over protecting our point of view. We spend more time in that wonderful space of the beginner’s mind, willing to learn from what others have to offer. We move away from pushing into allowing, from insecure to secure, from seeking approval to seeking enlightenment. We forget about being perfect and we enjoy being in the moment...