Salmon Quiche and A Dare to Try Attitude.

"How can a grown man be born again?" Nicodemus asked.

"He certainly cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time!"

This is how the judgement works: the light has come into the world,

but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil.

John 3: 4, 19

4th Sunday of Lent: John 3: 14-21

Quiches is one of my many favourites and most liked recipes. Here in Penang, the recent opening of Golden Crust at Gurney Plaza was an occation to go back to this Australian delicacy; we easily get pies, tarts, quiches...In Australia. Salmon, this is not really my favourite, due to the fishy taste of salmon. I think the fishy taste comes from the salmon oil.

There were only 3 types of quiches at Golden Crust, so I decided to go for the salmon quiche; RM8 for one pie. Worth it!

This weekend's Gospel focuses on the dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus. It comes from a dialogue about Nicodemus acknowledging Jesus as coming from God, and Jesus continues the conversation with the need to be "born again".

Trying an item I dislike is not an easy task, and as expected on the first bite of the quiche I could taste the fishy taste of salmon. The taste was not over powering, it was well balanced. I loved the creamy and eggy texture of the quiche.

And I must say on my final bite, I was happy that I bought the recommended salmon quiche! No regrets!

This weekend's Gospel is also about God's LOVE for humanity (John 3:16)...And to experience God's love is not an easy task. We need to dare to 'taste' that offering of Love that God offers to us. And to be transformed by that Love, so that in return we can Love God and Love others.

And like you, I am very sure, this is never an easy task. But, let us cultivate that courage to be daring to 'try new things' in the Kingdom of God!

PS: Lent is a time to prepare for Baptism!

Quench our Thirst

'Jacob's well was there, and Jesus,

tired out by the trip, sat down by the well.

It was about noon.

The water that I will give them will become in them a spring which will

provide them with life-giving water and give them eternal life."'

John 4: 6, 14(b)

3rd Sunday of Lent Gospel from John 4: 5-52

The 3rd Sunday of Lent will see us listening to a pretty long Gospel reading, but I am quiet sure there is a shorter version present. Anyway, one Saturday I made myself go for a morning jog- from my house, all the way to Straits Quay, and back. It took me close to an hour to do the whole jog. But, it was a very refreahing morning exercise, which sadly I have not done again!

Going jogging I prefer to go with an empty hand, this means I had no water bottle with me. And those joggers out there, you know what it can feel like when you just want to quench your thrist with a bottle of cold water! This was what I felt when i reached Straits Quay. I had no water! And I was thirsty!

With many urban cities today we are not fortunate to have wells around. Places like Australia do have water fountains for drinking. In Malaysia, as in Penang, I do not see any outlets for fresh drinking water. So, reading this Gospel this morning, I said to myself, "Jesus, you are one lucky man to have found a well to quench your thirst!"

The highlight for me this week is very much the fact that, like us, Jesus too was tired from his journey and he just needed a drink.

Jesus had the courage to sit by the well, adding to this there was a Samaritan woman there present. I must say, Jesus was in real need of some rest and water, to the extend Jesus was willing to go beyond the cultural difference and sat by the well. Jesus went beyond the ideas/rules imposed by the people at his time, because he knew he needed something vital for living; Jesus needed water!

You know, I do struggle many times each day to recognise the things that is vital to me. Is project A more important than project B, for example. Should I be getting angry or should I just be indifferent? Should I fast and just ignore the rituals, or to fast internally?

There is a danger here too, many will recognise. To do nothing at all is a sin we call 'being indifferent' to the needs of others. Yet, if we do something, we may be the one getting hurt. Very often majority prefers to do nothing, and let others get hurt along the way.

Thus, there is an occasion I sometimes enjoy taking. Rarely do I see myself in the shoes of Jesus, just going to sit by the well and ask for a drink. I just keep working on things needed to be completed, forgetting to relax. Maybe this is what many of us need to do- to know our limits and what is really vital to us. To have the courage to say, I have 'journeyed' far enough, I need some rest and a jar of water.

Let us remember, that when we have that courage to 'sit by the well' and ask for a 'jar of water', God offers us additional dividends. God gives us water that not only quenches our thirst, but he offers us water that we never need to go thirsty again.

Thus, the take come note is. Lent is a moment in the year we are greatly encouraged to take time to 'sit by the well' and ask for a 'drink'.

Happy Lent folks...



It was Pitch Black

'At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, where he stayed forty days,
being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him.
"The right time has come," he said, "and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!"
Mark 1: 12-13; 15

1st Sunday of Lent: Mark 1: 12-15

Night Hike from Teluk Bahang to Pantai Keracut

Yesterday evening I had a wonderful time hiking from the Penang Fishing Village in Teluk Bahang, to Pantai Keracut. It started drizzling before the hike, which I did with the Penang Adventure Club, but as be began the hike the drizzle stopped. For me, being a constant gym-goer and jogging weekly, the hike was very easy. But, for beginners it may be a very challenging hike as there were occasions where we needed to make giant flexible steps down and up, going over rocks and fallen trees and having a good balance body for areas where balancing were required.

Upon reaching Pantai Keracut we ajourned to the Turtle Sanctuary. Yesterday, we were not lucky as they were not releasing any baby hatchlings- the release will be done only next weekend. But, we were fortunate to see cute little baby turtles in the tank inside the sanctuary.

For those who will not stay over night on Pantai Keracut, we started our hike back to Teluk Bahang at 8.30pm. By this time our surrounding were dark and upon entering the woods it was pitch black! Being a human being, we are fortunate to have teachnologies with us; many had our torch lights and some had LED lights! LED lights are far brigther!

But, at one spot, in order to see the fire flies, we all had to switch off our lights. There then, came to my knowledge how dark and scary a forest can be! It was pitch black! I felt sorry for those who have been lost in the woods before!

To me, I reflected as I hiked back to Teluk Bahang. How often we take the many things we have for granted? For example electricity and the use of lights. Even with our Faith, how often so many of us take Faith so lightly. Everytime when it is time to go to Church or to say Prayers, we may come across comments like, "Oh, just be good is enough. No need all the rituals!"

To those with this mentality, I also do occationally fall into this category, we need to ask ourselves, "WHAT IS BEING GOOD?" How do we define being good? I have seen people, who can easily be good to other people, but are no good to their family members; court cases over inheritance, divorce. I have seen people who can be so 'rich-successful' in life, but so often they had to step over others, make white lies and take bribes, in order to become 'rich-successful.

So, this Lent, is being good all that sufficient? Perhaps, it is, perhaps not? Let us continue to discover our Faith this Lent. Is being 'GOOD ENOUGH'? We need to answer this question by ourselves.

Building Foundations

"My son your sins are forgiven"

Mark 2: 5(b)

On Friday, I was at Church for the 6pm Mass. It was a Mass offered, in part, to the memory of Jane Lim; through God's Mercy may she rest in peace. After Mass, there was a simple praise and worship, ending with a buffet dinner. The whole memorial was a great occasion to pray, remember and celebrate Jane Lim.

Very typical of Malaysians, was the fact that right after the Grace, people zoomed towards the buffet table. I was standing right beside the Priest, who prayed the Grace, and I was not even given a chance to queue first. The priest decided to walk off, as I believe he was expecting the horrible Malaysian queueing system!

I sometimes wonder, do people really know the purpose and meaning of their lives?

So often when bad things happen to us and our surrounding people, we get all upset, angry and disappointed. I have seen parents not speaking to their children because their children decided to get married outside of Church/ converted to a Muslim partner- did these parents prayed with and educate their children well? I have heard of sick and dying individuals, finally speaking of God; why don't these people speak of God earlier in life? I have seen friends, betraying friends, when things take a bad turn.

I always tell myself my foundation is of most important; if I want my exterior physical being to do well and be well in this world, I need to see what is happening at my very foundation.

Where, or what am I building my life on?

In this Sunday's Gospel, from Mark 2: 1-12, Jesus is again bringing us the message of the importance of our foundation. Jesus was spoken against because of his words, "son your sins are forgiven". The Jewish leaders did not accept Jesus as the Messiah, and thus Jesus is believed not to have authority to forgive sins. Putting this issue aside, let us look at the way Jesus healed. Rather than saying to the paralyzed man, "get up and walk", Jesus said, "MY SON, your sins are forgiven".

My friends, the way Jesus healed the man in the Gospel today are words many many many of us desire to hear from one another. Ask yourself, I ask myself too, how often do we want to hear honest and sincere words, such as, "I love you", "I forgive you", "I praise you"... Do we hear these words spoken often at work, in school, in church, by the road?

Thus Jesus in pointing out, what is the point we are physically healthy, but not fit on the inside?

So, often I am looked with a negetive eye, because of my religious way of life. But, I do not give a notice to such distasteful reaction from people. To me the external is not the issue, the inside is very important. If I want to serve God, then my internal soul must be 'healthy'.

In school, among the teachers, I sence an unseen 'negative vibe' flowing through each other. I am sure these happens in many companies and organisations. I sense that colleagues do not completely trust one another. How sad! Yet, we 'wish' to be 'ONE' company. What is unity when there is no oneness in the way the people in the company/organisation thinks? What is unity, when colleagues come to work each day, thinking that a fellow employee will 'back stab' them?

Do you need to be healed?

Hide Not, But Live Life!

But the man went away and began
to spread the news (of his healing) everywhere.
Indeed, he talked so much that Jesus could not go into a town publicly.

MARK 1: 45

Gospel, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mark 1: 40-45

I still recall the early days of my mysterious conversion to Jesus Christ in the Roman Catholic Church. At that time, yes, I was very excited. But, the excitement was more internal rather than explosive. I did not went to shout about, that I have discovered the Truth-Jesus Christ! The only verbal and active excitement I showed, was on an occation I got my very first Holy Picture (The Divine Mercy). I was excited, I got a very first Catholic object, and showed it surprisingly to a non-Catholic friend. Sadly, this friend did not show the same excitement that I have.

Until today, I frimly hold on to the fact that ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS. I believe in living out my convictions in Christ, rather than speaking/merely writing (such as in this blog). For me this is the safest way. Why? Because, if we just speak about a fact or discovered truth (not only in matters of faith, but also of finance, science, economics...) others most often misinterpret us/gossip about us/conner us out.

Something, no one can steal away from us, if we live out our convictions. No one can hurt us, when we do not harm others. Look at the Saints of the past, these holy men and women went through great persecutions, hardships and joy to live fully their believe in God; they held on to Christ. Look at the great genuises of the past (Einstein, Newton, Columbus...), if they did not live up to their convictions we will never have the understanding of chemistry and science today.

Jesus, as in today's Gospel, comes to heal us. Jesus willingly wants to touch us. Only if we know the humility of the leper man; the leper man KNELT (Humility) and begged Jesus to heal him of leprosy.

Are we willing to 'kneel' and 'beg'? Or, we rather go on having 'leprosy' in our everyday lives?

The choice is yours and mines.

J-O-Y

'...people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had demons. He would not

let the demons say anything,because they knew who he was.

Very early the next morning, long before day light, Jesus got up

and left the house. He went out of town to a lonely place, where he prayed.'

Mark 1: 32,34-35

Gospel of the 5th Sunday from Mark 1: 29-39

Sometimes I wonder why certain people love gossiping? Gossiping, to my personal experience, is a very asian mentality. Sadly, myself being an asian, I despise gossips! I get so disgusted and irritated by insincere and dishonest people who just continue talking 'big' about either themselves, or commeting on others; this is GOSSIP.

Today, as I reflected on the Bible, i thought that maybe Jesus was very aware of the fact that words can travel fast! That is why, he did not allow the demons to say anything. Words can travel faster than Jesus; before Jesus goes and preach at the next town, the word about Jesus may have reached there first! Maybe that is why Jesus was cautious not to make to much 'fuss' about His role as the Son of God.

For me there must always be a TWO WAY SYSTEM. If we want others not to make comments about us, are we giving others the NO opportunity to do so? Many bad habits, such as gossips, is not only because of the doer, but sometimes (maybe many times) it can be caused by the 'doer's' friends. Each of us have a role to play in the events of life.

If we want a more peaceful world, more peaceful surroundings, more peaceful workplace, more peaceful church...What are you and I doing, to contribute to the creation of peace? When Simon's mother-in-law was healed of her fever, she "waited on" Jesus and the disciples. She remained where the Mission of Jesus was!

Let us not be like so many, who after their healing, off they went to 'enjoy life'. Once we get what we need, or what we want, we go off with the attitude of indifference. Let us remember, we each have a role to play in the circle of life. Sadly, no one escapes. If we do bad, then bad returns. If we do good, good returns.

I leave you all with the word JOY

J= Jesus; may Jesus be our source

O= Others; be aware that your thoughts, words and deeds can either hurt or touch others

Y= You; be grateful for what you have now.

Joy is prayer.

Joy is strength.

Joy is love.

Joy is a net of love by which

You can catch souls.

Newton, Jesus, Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, Buddha were all in town!

'The people who heard him were amazed at the way he taught,

for he wasn't like the teachers of the Law;

instead, he taught with authority.

Mark 1: 22

The past week, has been one of merry making, gathering among friends and relatives...Yes, it was all around food! Have I put on many kilos? I don't think so, as these days I seem to be a moderate eater myself. Not sure why I don't find that inner strength to over indulge? Could it be my life of prayer, meditation and self-control? I wonder? But, yes my taste butts were all functioning pretty well, and love the local food. Guess what? I must admit I miss the chinese way of chinese new year gatherings, that we don't get in Australia; last night I was at a dinner and it was noisy, crazy acts and me were the last tables to leave the restaurant (almost 12am!); a very typical Malaysian chinese way.

But, it was all great!

Have you ever wondered if you were listening to Jesus in the streets, what will be your reaction? If we were alive during the time of Mother Teresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Buddha, Albert Einstein, Newton (discovered gravity)...What will be our first reaction? Today, we easily listen to those ideas given to us by people who lived in the past. Their words give us hope, knowledge, life, science...You name it.

At the same time, we need to be mindful of the many struggles that these great people of the past had to go through. Jesus, got Himself crucified! Mother Teresa opted to live a life of real poverty to help the poor! I am sure Newton and Einstein, had to face ridicule to proff their new found scientific knowledge. The man who spoke about the earth globe being round and NOT flat, was tortured by the Roman Catholic Church; Galileo.

I bet, today we too live in the same circle of history. Those who do not think alike with the great majority are often silenced and at times even toutured/killed. Look at the many up risings that took place in some parts of the world last year? Look also in our own work place and community, how do YOU treat those that, in YOUR mind, are different from you and the majority?

Like so many, I very often fall short myself. At my work place, when gossips start to spread, and those gossips reaches my ears, I too am affected in the way I treat that person who is gossiped on. When person A and B, is talked on, I start becoming very suspicious of that person A and B. It is sad, because at prayer each evening when I reflect, I ask myself the question of CHARITY.

Is it charity when I look upon others with suspicion? Is it charity when others gossip on another, even when that gossip may be 'valid'? Is it reasonable for me to pay attention to gossips?

I wonder when can I speak like Jesus and make my audience be amazed by what I have to say?

Let us work on this, may our words GIVE LIFE to people, to science, to communities, to religion, to society...Again YOU name it! May your words be life giving where ever you are!::))

Remembering Those Behind the Scene

(St Joseph's Noviate before the Hunza Paragon Mall project began)

Remember Those Behind the Success of Paragon Mall

I refer to ‘Novitiate building transformed into dining and social hub’ (the Star 21^st January 2011) and express my congratulations to Hunza for the opening of St Jo’s at Paragon Mall. A magnificent piece of architecture as viewed from Gurney Drive, but I have yet to step inside Paragon Mall for a better view of the interior.

Every success that we have is always shaped by those around us. Our achievements, and our ability to face the odds, always come through the criticisms and support we get from others. I am sure, the success of Paragon Mall and the preservation of St Jo’s, came through individuals who dared to stand for what they believed to be right, holy and true

In the early stages of the Paragon Mall project, various parties voiced their dissatisfaction of the magnitude of such a project will do to the areas around Gurney Drive. There were environmental, infrastructure and heritage issues that many believed needed to be looked at before Paragon Mall can start building.

I myself, was a very strong critique to the fact that Hunza did not look into the need to preserve the St Joseph’s Novitiate as a heritage landmark. Hunza, according to the news, considered ‘relocating’ the St Joseph’s Chapel into another site (I have with me records of the letters I sent to the Star).

The Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) also stood behind the people of Penang, supporting penangites’ voices. The PHT, PHT members and I took great efforts in attending court proceedings at Komtar, Penang. I was privileged to have met the owner of Hunza at one of the court hearings.

After the many months of hard voluntary work to save St Joseph’s Novitiate as a heritage landmark, soon we got news that the building will be preserved. When Lim Guan Eng was elected as Chief Minister of Penang, again I was so delighted that the issues surrounding Hunza’s Paragon Mall project was looked into by the Chief Minister.

To the many Penangites who dared to make your views heard, I congratulate you. I thank the Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng, who heard the voices of the people of Penang and ensured that the size of the Paragon Mall was reduced. I also wish to express my appreciation to Hunza, for the success of Paragon Mall and St Jo’s.

Today, as I pass through Gurney Drive, I am glad to see St Joseph happily sitting in the centre of the Paragon Mall project. Heritage Buildings such at St Joseph’s are never a waste, because the issues of the past remind us of what we can and should do today and in the near future. A master piece of architecture of the past, reminds us that if we persevere we can always succeed.

Bro Kenneth Mary Gan
Tanjong Bungah