Jan.1/12/19-20/25 Feb.1/11/26 March
5/9/18/25/27 April 8/21-23/ May 1/8/19/31 June 5/12/19/26 July
10/ Aug 6/ Sept. 8/28/ Oct. 1/10/15/ Nov.1/2/8/20 Dec.8/25
Dec. 25/ Christmas Day
One may say that Christianity, ultimately speaking, is about God's unconditional love for humanity and our unconditional love for God, others and ourselves.
Christmas, for example, is about how the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity --- the Light from Light, true God from true God (Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero) becoming a divine-human person for all humankind.
In response, we are challenged to practice unconditional love for God (in unconditional faith, hope, love, trust, etc.) and even for others and ourselves (in unconditional forgiveness, service, happiness,* etc.). It seems that one of the most God-pleasing ways to love others is to pray daily for those whom we cannot easily get along with, including our true selves (as temples of the Holy Spirit).
Christmas is also about happiness. St. Thomas Aquinas states: "God is happiness by His Essence: for He is happy not by acquisition or participation of something else, but by His Essence." (Summa theologiae, I-II, q. 3, a. 1) Therefore, the greatest happiness --- during and outside of this season --- is spiritual and is coming from God or Christ the infinite Happiness Itself. Unless God puts us through a spiritual desert or unless it is caused by human factors, God seems quite pleased to fill us with an abundance of love, peace, happiness and joy radiated ceaselessly from the Incarnate Light or Incarnate Happiness Itself (i.e., the Holy Eucharist). Like what many spiritual directors would say, an Eucharistic hour usually takes an hour.
Some scientists are convinced that we are living in a world of eleven dimensions. Hence, there are so much unwanted or un-Godly energies in our multi-dimensional human system which have to take much time to be cleared, before God's Divine Energy can be somehow experienced mystically. Grace respects nature. Hence, it is up to us to choose wisely. Nevertheless, the Incarnate Happiness states clearly: "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Mt 11:28)
If, in the most genuine sense, happiness is connection and connection is happiness, Christmas invites us to be connected with God, Holy Angels and Saints, others, ourselves and even with the Incarnate Happiness. Apparently, only in unconditional love for God, Christ, others and ourselves could we be happily connected. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Have a truly happy, happy Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
[*The secular world is so used to conditional happiness that many Christians are carried away by it, thinking that it is the only way to be happy. As it is, our Christian faith is oriented towards unconditional happiness. Succinctly, the Holy Bible teaches us how to practice unconditional happiness, as we read: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1Thess 5:16-18) Apparently, if possible, our prayer is best done before the unspeakable overflowing Happy Energies of the infinite Incarnate Happiness, in particular from the Holy Eucharist. Indeed, unconditional happiness is a grace which only God the infinite Happiness or Christ the infinite Incarnate Happiness can give. Alleluia! Alleluia!]
Dec. 8 --- Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Among others, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is also the Patron Saint of Fu Jen Catholic University. At the same time, it must be acknowledged that Fu Jen is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of re-establishing itself heroically in Taiwan today. May the People of God, including Fu Jen, continue to be protected and blessed by her awesome intercessions!
Our Heavenly Mother is always interested in bringing us to Christ. In retrospect, one of the greatest blessings given by God to Fu Jen Catholic University most recently was the 2011 Taiwan Eucharistic Congress being held there on November 19, on the eve of the Solemnity of Christ the King. One of the important messages was given by Msgr. Paul Russell, the Vatican's representative to Taiwan, who encouraged us to make a holy hour Eucharistically each day if possible.
To take a look at the 2011 Taiwan Eucharistic Congress being held inside the grant Assembly Hall at Fu Jen Catholic University, click at: (1) the 2012 IEC Theme Song, Entrance Procession, Eucharistic Reception, and Eucharistic Adoration. Alleluia! Alleluia!
[The above is sincerely dedicated to the Eucharistic Bishops, priests, sisters, brothers and lay people of Taiwan, including the Eucharistic Committee, choir, volunteers, President Bernard Li, Vice President Rev. Michael Kwok as well as the Chaplain Rev. Lucas Wang, who have made the 2011 Taiwan Eucharistic Congress an unforgettable event. For the two great articles published on the Taipei Catholic Weekly leading to this event, this list should include Rev. Mark Fang, S.J., as well as the Dean Rev. Augustine Tsang, S.J., and his Eucharistic students at the Faculty of Theology who started the weekly all-day Eucharistic Exposition (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) on every Monday beginning from Nov. 28 at the little Chapel . As many would agree, this awestruck one-day celebration has profoundly touched the God-loving hearts of countless people, perhaps also those who are watching these videos now. Praise God!]
For a special Hour of Grace on December 8, click here. Have a prayerful and wonderful Christmas season! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Nov. 20 --- Solemnity of Christ the King
As we know, Jesus Christ is "the Lord of lords and King of king" (Rev 17:14). As the only Mediator between the whole Uncreated Existence (Esse) of God and the entire created existence (esse) of all creation, Christ is the unsurpassed King or Pantocrator (All-powerful Ruler) of all created existence. Together with the whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints, we sing to Christ the King "the Alpha and the Omega, the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come" (Rev 1:8) : "Great and amazing are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, King of all nations and all creation!" (cf. Rev 15:3)
[Apparently, this concept of the
Existence Christ who is "all and in all" (Col 3:11)
is bigger than the notion of the Cosmic Christ, since the latter
does not explicitly incorporate the Uncreated Existence of God
and the possibility of other universes in existence.]
Nov. 8 --- Announcement on the 2011 Taiwan Eucharistic Congress
Organized by the Taiwan Bishops'
Committee, the 2011 Taiwan Eucharistic Congress will take place
at the Fu Jen Catholic University on November 19, from 9:30 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. It will be an immense blessing not only for the whole
Fu Jen Catholic University and Taiwan, but also for the entire
world, indeed even all creation, due to the infinite range of
radiation of the Holy Eucharist in which dwells the whole of the
Most Holy Trinity. It is true that such a fact is taking place
at every Holy Mass, as well as from each Tabernacle and Eucharistic
Exposition, even from Christians who have sinlessly received the
Sacred Body and Blood of Christ (as carriers and radiators of
Christ's Divine Light or Energy). Nonetheless, this is a very
special occasion of about three thousand people. May the Almighty
God and His whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints guide and bless
those who are attending this extraordinary celebration and prayer
meeting! Alleluia! Alleluia! For official information from the
Taiwan Bishops' Committe, click here
(in Chinese).
Nov. 2/ All Souls' Day
November is the month during which the whole Church of Christ in Heaven and on earth prays for all the souls in need of further purification or sanctification in Purgatory before they could forever enter into the Divine Heavenly Family, i.e., the Most Holy Trinity together with Its whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints.
Unfortunately, there are souls who are forever lost. The author has recently received an email indicating such a real possibility. Hence, Christians have an awesome, even unconditional responsibility to be praying daily for those who are to be forever missing the All Saint's Day or the Perfect Family Party in Heaven. There is an effective prayer for this purpose, as many already have known from praying the Holy Rosary in the traditional way: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fire of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in need of your greatest mercy!" It is clear that God wants everyone to be saved or enjoying the All Saints' Day in Heaven forever and ever. Alleluia! Alleluia!
[One may ask: Is the prayer above the prayer intended on Oct. 1? Well, it is still being tested as a very small but important part of the book on the Resurrected Christ. Obviously, it is being taken very seriously. No deadline is presently set. Thank you for the patience. Alleluia! Alleluia!]
Nov. 1/ All Saints' Day in Heaven: From Sunday to Sunday to Sunday
Apparently, All Saints' Day in Heaven is celebrated without end by the whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints who do not stop loving one another and, above all, loving and worshipping the Most Holy Trinity. At the same time, they are being loved and honoured by God in perfect love, glory, harmony and happiness, forever and ever. Yet, one may see this Day in Heaven as a process summed up in three stages and highlighted symbolically by three Sundays of the Lord.
Stage 1) The Uncreated Sunday or Day of the Lord in eternity --- The Most Holy Trinity ad intra (towards inside) existed restfully during this Uncreated Time without time.
Stage 2) World Mission Sunday as a process --- If World Mission Sunday ultimately belongs to the Triune Creator as such, one may say that it is a process during which the Most Holy Trinity reached out ad extra (towards outside), beginning the process of creating, saving and uniting (or re-uniting) with all creatures in the world --- in particular with human beings. At all times, the Church of Christ is the servant par excellence of the Most Holy Trinity ad extra.
Stage 3) The Unending Sunday or
Day of the Lord in Heaven --- Eastern Orthodoxy calls it the eighth
day during which the whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints in
Heaven do not cease loving and praising the Most Holy Trinity
amid loving one another. It is the ultimate fulfillment of the
Most Holy Trinity reaching out from the Uncreated Sunday. One
may also call this Day the All Saints' Day in Heaven, the ultimate
reason, goal and example of the All Saints' Day on earth. Consciously,
subconsciously or unconsciously, this unending Day of innumerable
infinite perfections is also the greatest dream of the whole human
family and each of her family members on earth. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Oct. 15/ Feast of St. Teresa of Avila
On this prayerful feast of St. Teresa, perhaps we should share a prayer which was tested and shared by a busy mother years ago. It is: "Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus I ask You to bless me and my day. Give me the Holy Spirit, to do what is most pleasing to You!" In fact, one can use the same format to pray for any person or community.
To experience its effects, one may have to pray this short prayer many times a day. Praise God! Alleluia!
[Some may ask: Is this the prayer
mentioned on Oct. 1? Well, it is still being tested.]
Oct. 10/ 100th Anniversary of the Republic of China
Today Taiwan and countless friendly communities around the world celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of China. May the Most Holy Trinity and Its whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints continue to guard and keep this miracle as well as its relation with the People's Republic of China! As we know, throughout the history of the R.O.C., five of its presidents are Christians, including the founding President Sun Yat-Sen and the present President Ma who is a Catholic. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Oct. 1/ Feast of St. Thérèsa of Lisieux
Recently, Pope Benedict XVI talked about the present time as a new evangelical age and the need to re-discover the beautiful treasure of our faith, including the experience of God's goodness. In fact, the author has been testing a traditional prayer --- with respect to God's goodness --- to see if it is appropriate to share for the present age. If it is, it will be recommended in the future or near future, as a humble response to the Pope's call. By the way, this month is also the month of the Holy Rosary. Hopefully, many in their personal experience would re-discover its awesome power.
Meanwhile, may St. Thérèsa, Patroness of Foreign Missions, continue to pray for the Church of Christ she loves! As we know, she did promise that she would continue to do good in Heaven. Alleluia! Alleluia!
---------------
September 28/ Teacher's Day and Feast of the Chinese Martyrs
May all the dear Chinese Martyrs in Heaven bless all our teachers and students today!
At the same time, the author would like to apologize for having mislinked this website to some new design for the last 10 days or so. It happened this way. On September 18, the author was learning to do some design from a teacher for the coming book discussion on Theology of Energy, organized by the AITEA (Association of International Theology of Energy Authors) at Fu Jen. In the midst of doing so, the website was misdirected without knowing. During the last 10 days the author was focused on completing a paper. Fortunately, this mistake was discovered yesterday. In any case, it is hoped that with the intercession of the Chinese Martyrs the program of this book discussion would be released before November 1. Praise God! Alleluia!
-------------------
Sept. 8/ Feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary
It is said that if a person who risks nothing in the Lord, would do nothing in the Lord, would have nothing in the Lord, and is nothing in the Lord. Only a person who risks is free in the Lord.
Indeed, this saying can be applied to the earthly life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Apparently, if she risked nothing in accepting her call as the Mother of Christ, she would have done nothing, would have had nothing, and would have been nothing in the Lord. Thanks be to God that she did risk her life and has been free, enjoying all the blessings which the Lord has reserved for her.
Perhaps the same saying can be said of the present development of Theology of Energy. If those who are called have not risked their time in accepting their call, they would have done nothing, would have had nothing, and would have been nothing in the Lord, insofar as their call is concerned. Praise to the Lord that some have risked and have been set free from inertia and various fears. Faithful to the Magisterium, if the first 25 years of this development were marked by "being small, hidden, and focused," it is hoped that the next 25 years would be characterized by "being focused, open, and free (i.e., being filled with inner freedom --- to be free from becoming successful or not so successful, etc.)".
After all is said, risking is still risking. Hence, all those who are called by the Lord --- to do whatever His will is --- have to constantly seek for His grace, guidance and protection, as well as the gift of humility to accept mistakes and corrections. Accordingly, the ceaseless intercession of Our Heavenly Mother is also immensely vital. Alleluia! Alleluia!
--------------------
Aug. 6/ Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ
There are three words which --- as a metaphysical possibility --- can sum up the whole process of salvation, i.e., 'All' (God), 'all' (creation), and 'union.'
Accordingly, our salvation begins with God (All) reaching out from eternity to create (later to redeem) creation (all), so that at the end (or endless fulfillment in Heaven), there may be eternal 'union' between 'All' and 'all.' In other words, "God may be All in all." (1Cor 15:28)
In fact, one can also use the same three words to describe Jesus Christ, i.e., Christ is the 'union' between 'All' and 'all." As we know, "Christ is all and in all." (Col 3:11) "He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things." (Eph 4:10) We may, therefore, say that Christ is the 'All-in-all.' It is through this 'All-in-all' that 'all' may be in union with 'All' in the process of God being "All in all" (1Cor 15:28), i.e., the process of the transcosmic, transradiant union between 'All' and 'all.'
Biblically, one of the most fitting portrayals of this 'All-in-all' appears to be the transfigured Christ on Mt. Thabor. "And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white." (Mt 17:2) It was reported at the same time about the voice of God the Father, saying: "This is my Son, the Beloved, with Him I am well pleased; listen to Him!" (Mt 17:5) Apparently, the Father is pleased to reveal the Incarnate Son as the 'All-in-all,' who as the 'All' and the 'Light of the world' first permeates all His Incarnate humanity with His divine light or Energy, and then radiates this Energy to all creation through His humanity. Indisputably, Christ's Divinity is in hypostatic union with His humanity, but only in non-hypostatic union with creation. While Christ's hypostatic union is forever irreversible, His non-hypostatic union with us depends on our fidelity to His grace, Energy or Holy Spirit. According to Eastern Orthodoxy, God is fully present in each ray of His Divine Uncreated Energy.
Similar to the mystery of Christ's Transfiguration, when Our Heavenly Mother is assumed into Heaven (with respect to the Feast of her Assumption on Aug. 15), one may say that she, too, is transfigured before the Most Holy Trinity and Its whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints in Heaven. Her face also shines like the sun, and her clothes becomes dazzling white (cf. Mt 17:2; Rev 12:1) At the same time, the Father proudly announces: "This is my beloved Daughter, with her I am well pleased; listen to her!" (cf. Mt 17:5)
Indeed, for those who have been to Heaven and experienced eternal union with "All" would find their return to the imperfect earth immensely stressful and unpleasant. No wonder St. Paul who was lifted to the 3rd Heaven (cf. 2Cor 12:2-4) preferred to be in Heaven (cf. Phi 1:23). As St. Thomas Aquinas said, after experiencing a foretaste of the beatific vision, all that he had written was like straw. Click here for another witness today.
That is precisely why we have to give thanks unceasingly to Jesus Christ the All-in-all who --- after ascending into Heaven --- returns to earth to live among us in the Tabernacle, to be most lovingly and intimately united with us despite all our imperfections. "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Mt 11:28) Therefore, we can concur with St. Augustine resoundingly, praying to Jesus the Eucharisic All-in-all: "O Lord, Thou hast made us for Thyself. Our heart does not rest until it rests in Thee!" (To experience such a rest in this age of restlessness, it usually takes 45 minutes or more in sacred quietude.)
Simultaneously, we have to be very grateful to Our Heavenly Mother too, who, after having been assumed into Heaven, has returned to earth in countless apparitions for our sake. "Do whatever He tells you." (Jn 2:5) We can now safely reiterate that all that she ultimately desires is nothing but our most loving and intimate union with Jesus Christ, her Lord and our Lord, in particular Eucharistically (on earth) and eternally (in Heaven). In this way, our relationship with others would be affected also accordingly.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
[The concept of Christ as the 'All-in-all' is unpublished and copyrighted by John Cheng Wai-leung. This new renewing idea will appear in a lecture entitled "Developing Aquinas' Missing Metaphysical Concept of Christ" as well as in a symposium called "Vital Issues in Postmodernity" during the coming international Ultimate Reality and Meaning Conference being held at Regis College, University of Toronto, from Aug. 10-13. For further details, click here and read (2). Praise God!
Beginning in September, there may only be an entry or so per month for a while, as some dead lines in writing have to be met. Like a cook, the author is making two kinds of food for thought, i.e., the fast and the slow. Apparently, he is called is to do slow cooking (in books and papers) rather than the fast one (like what is written here). Thank you for understanding.]
July 10/ Feast of the Chinese Martyrs --------------------------
Inseparably connected with the ever glorious cross of Jesus Christ, the ever faithful guidance of the Holy Spirit as well as the ever lasting blessing of the Heavenly Father, there are two main forms of martyrdom, i.e., the red and the white. Accordingly, the red bloodstained martyrdom happens when a person sheds his or her blood for Christ. Through the history of the Church, there have been countless brave souls who died rather than forsook the Lord, e.g., the 120 gallant Chinese martyrs (consisting of 87 local Chinese and 33 foreign missionaries to China) whom we commemorate today.
At the same time, the white bloodless martyrdom is without any violent taking of life. It is a total, willing, heroic offering of one's self to God in doing whatever His will is. This is what is needed for the witness and spreading of the Gospel. Obviously, as every Christian is called to it, there are innumerable examples in China and elsewhere today.
In addition, as the article "Mexico's Tragedy" on trafficking drug gangs (with all due respect to our dear Mexican brothers and sisters as similar examples occur everywhere daily) in the current TIME reminds us, there is the dark, false martyrdom in which a person suffers death for the wrong ungodly reasons, being a slave to certain dark sinful forces. Worse still, those heading for this tragic dark martyrdom really believe that they are doing what is just and right.
All in all, the red and white types of martyrdom are necessarily awesome gifts or graces of the Holy Spirit, whereas the dark version is without doubt a devious deception of the evil spirit.
While many examples for the red and dark forms of martyrdom may be listed, the following are three living examples of white martyrdom recently encountered by the author. The first one is the example of Rev. Prof. George F. McLean who in his 80s is still promoting tirelessly lasting values and philosophy for many nations and peoples in this postmodern age which subscribes to no traditional values and philosophy. In fact, the author was privileged to present a paper during his recent trip to Fudan University in the international conference entitled "Revitalizing Chinese Culture: Values and Virtues for a Global Age."
The second example of white martyrdom is the Chinese priests and seminarians in China who are steadfastly loyal to the Pope. Most recently, they even prayed publicly and valiantly for the Vicar of Christ, supporting his Spirit-led position against the anti-one, anti-Holy Spirit, anti-catholic, anti-apostolic ordination of bishops within the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Mystical Body of Christ.
Perhaps the third example of the bloodless martyrdom which should be mentioned is the Faculty of Theology at Fu Jen which has been refusing its Christian policy to be manipulated by the secular department of education. Lately, some members even stand up courageously and net together with other groups to oppose the immoral public education program which proactively promotes homosexuality and lesbianism, etc., among innocent children and youth in the whole school system. Bravo! Alleluia!
As we know, the evil spirit is so deceptive that one may be tempted towards the dark martyrdom while seeking sincerely to do the will of God. One, therefore, may have to implore the Holy Spirit for His ever faithful guidance and loving protection a few times a day, unfortunately or fortunately.
In fact, anyone who is not shocked by how many times he or she has been deceived in life by the devil does not really understand his penetrating craftiness. However, the unsurpassed love, power and guidance of the Holy Spirit is infinitely greater. Concurrently, praying the Holy Rosary is also very powerful, as the Holy Spirit and Our Heavenly Mother may be conceived as a Dream Team sent to us by God the Father and God the Son for our unceasing protection and guidance.
As we are celebrating today's great feast and giving thanks to God, maybe we should also ask the Holy Spirit - through the intercession of the Chinese and all other Martyrs, as well as all the other Holy Angels and Saints in Heaven --- to have extraordinary mercy on those poor deceived souls passionately going after the false, dark martyrdom, granting them without precedence the much-needed re-awakening and conversion!
As nobody on earth is perfectly holy yet, the consoling message according to Blessed Cardinal Newman is that a truly good Christian is someone who keeps improving or renewing himself/herself for the love of God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
[The next entry is for Aug. 6, Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Thank you.]
June 26/ Feast of the Precious Body and Blood of Christ ---------------
Generally speaking, God usually takes three steps to help us solve our personal problem(s). First, God gives us transforming peace. Then, He gives us insightful wisdom to see through the problem(s). Finally, He gives us enduring courage to put this special wisdom into practice.
What people may or may not know is that the Holy Eucharist does not cease radiating this peace, wisdom, and courage to us. What it takes to receive such incredible graces or radiating Divine Energies is to learn to visit, sit, and pray before the Blessed Sacrament, lovingly, patiently, and trustingly.
Depending on the problem and our spirituality, it might take an hour a day, for a few days in a row. One may have to consult a wise spiritual advisor or director in addition. In any case, this is the time when we are most certainly distracted and disturbed by the evil spirits who do not want anyone to stay before the Lord prayerfully, not even for just a single second. However, if we learn to follow heroically the shining examples of our Saints and good Christians, we will come away praising God and thanking Him whole-heartedly.
In fact, we should visit Jesus our great Eucharist Friend --- who loves each one of us with all His Sacred Heart --- even without any immediate and urgent problem to solve. It is to prove to Him that He is loved very much, no matter what has happened, even unconditionally. Isn't it the way it should be? Alleluia! Alleluia!
[Due to two papers to deliver in two different conferences, one within and one outside of the country, the author regret that no writing will appear until July 10. Thank you. Praise the Lord also! June 20, 2011]
June 19/ Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
Ultimately, the beginning of the universe is not the created Big Bang as many tend to think. Rather, it is the Most Holy Uncreated Trinity in eternity or the moment when this Holy Trinity ad intra began to reach out from uncreated eternity to create the universe (likely with the so-called Big Bang).
Apparently, creation is a process in which all creatures --- in particular humans --- are unceasingly invited to be intimately united with the Creator. This process is fulfilled only in Heaven in the endless Heavenly Family Banquet, where the Uncreated Triune Family (the Most Holy Trinity) and Its whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints (those in eternal union with the Most Holy Trinity) will party on forever and ever.
Thank you, Most Holy Trinity for
such an unceasing invitation. Alleluia! Alleluia!
June 12/ Feast of the Pentecostal Descent of the Holy Spirit
Today is the Birthday of the Church! Hence, Happy Birthday to the Church of Christ in which the Catholic Church subsists (Lumen gentium 8)! As we know, without the descent of the Holy Spirit, nothing truly good can happen in the Most Holy Trinity reaching out to us, even the ability to utter the name of the Holy Spirit prayerfully. As a humble suggestion, it appears that an effective way to ask for the descent of the Holy Spirit frequently is to call on His name frequently. If possible, it may even be better to sing to the Spirit of God in terms of the hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus" (Come Creator Spirit)," whether in Latin or in the vernacular language. It is certainly a wonderful way to start each day. Alleluia! Alleluia!
June 5 Feast of the Ascension of Christ
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, God is eternity itself. "Eternity is nothing else but God Himself." (S.Theo. I, 10,2) "Eternity truly and properly so called is in God alone." (S. Theo. I, 10,3) Viewed in light of God as omnipresent Light itself, suddenly we begin to see that all creation is permeated through and through by Eternity itself. Anything that one does, thinks, feels, says, etc., would have eternal consequences, either positively or negatively. However, before the Final Judgment, all are given countless opportunities for repentance, amendment and growth through the immense love of Christ and His Church for us.
In fact, during these few weeks the sacred calendar of the Church is filled with great Feasts celebrating with various expressions about Eternity, reminding us at the same time of both eternity and eternal life, i.e., Feast of Christ's Ascension into Heaven (June 5), Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (June 12), Feast of the Most Holy Trinity (June 19), Feast of the Precious Body and Blood of Christ (June 26), Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (July 1), Feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Mother of God (July 2), and Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul the Apostles .
From the expressions of these Feasts, it seems that what matters most in the Triune Eternity reaching out to us is our eternal union with Eternity (God) Himself. The various Feasts being celebrated are helping us concretely to fulfill that ultimate goal, starting here on earth. Indeed, even the Communion of Saints is based on our union with Eternity. Alleluia! Alleluia!
May 31/ Feast of the Visitation of Our Heavenly Mother
With deep gratitude, the author would like to thank all the dear friends for their holy Masses and prayers for the repose of the soul of his dearly beloved mother. During her wake last week, two visitors felt the visitation of the Mother of God. One even felt the presence of the whole Divine Heavenly Family. Indeed, the author is not surprised at all that his dearly beloved mom is now in Heaven. In fact, he told her countless times in the past years that if she cooperated with God throughout her great sufferings --- as she was unable to walk, eat and talk for five years --- what she was going through would become her first-class Purgatory. Apparently, she did and was able to go to Heaven peacefully. Alleluia! Alleluia!
At the same time, let us also pray for all other dearly beloved mothers, fathers as well as clergy, who work so hard for their families and parishes, even to the point of over-exhaustion. It is hoped that, directly or indirectly, they would be frequently visited, consoled and strengthened by the wonderful visitation of Our Heavenly Mother also.
Through it all, perhaps it is important
for us to continually see and appreciate the value of suffering.
Oftentimes, when God permits suffering it is for our greater blessing.
Praise God! Alleluia!
May 19 --- Special Prayer Request
The dearly beloved mother (whose name is Mrs. Frances Cheng) of the present author just passed away on May 19 at about 8:00 a.m. (Taipei time). If possible, please kindly offer your next Holy Mass for the repose of her soul. Thank you so much!
May 8 --- Mother's Day, the Resurrected Christ and Our Heavenly Mother
Happy Mother's Day! May the Most Holy Trinity and all the Holy Angels and Saints - in particular Our Blessed Mother - bless all the mothers today! To give thanks to our dearest earthly mother and Heavenly Mother, one may among others pray the Holy Rosary daily for their holy intentions. For the many blessings of the Rosary, click here.
As a result of the Resurrection of Christ who is All and in all (Col 3:11), the whole universe is now substantially filled with His transradiant heavenly presence and perfections. One may ask: How come we cannot participate in His wonderful omnipresence and nature? Clearly, one may say that the culprit is evil and sinful energies. As we know, the principal hindrance between Christ the All-in-all and humanity is these un-Divine energies (i.e., all unsanctified sinful energies and diabolic energies) which have permeated the whole universe, with the exceptions of the Most Holy Trinity, Holy Eucharist, Saints, Holy Angels, and Heaven itself.
What would happen, then, if all these un-Christ-like energies would disappear? Obviously, the whole universe would become Heaven or Heavenized (except Hell as an everlasting dumping site for all forever unsanctifiable energies and their sources). In other words, Christ's presence and His Heavenly Energies need to be increasingly activated for our participation. Hence, all of us outside Heaven have a sacred duty to help the Resurrected Christ to make our present globe and universe a bit more like Heaven each day. Thanks to Divine Revelation, our daily co-operation with the Resurrected All-in-all consists simply in living a Christ-pleasing life on earth, taking earthly things not as an ultimate end but only a significant means accordingly, as we read: "So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." (Col 3:1-4)
As seen above, praying the Holy Rosary is manifestly one of the God-pleasing ways of not only blessing our dearest mother but also in assisting Our Heavenly Mother to help Christ accelerate the process of Heavenization for the blessing of all. Alleluia! Alleluia!
As a gentle reminder, May 24 is a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. Praise God!
May 1 ------ Celebrating the Three Greatest Treasures of the Church
The three greatest treasures of the Catholic Church, as we know, are simply: (1) the Real Presence of the Resurrected Christ in the Blessed Sacrament; (2) Our Heavenly Mother; and (3) the Pope as the chief visible representative of Christ on earth. In a unique way, today the whole Church celebrates joyfully all three of them.
First, today is the Divine Mercy Sunday on which we are showered by the Divine Mercy of God, in and through the Blessed Sacrament in particular as the Resurrected Christ in the Holy Eucharist remains the greatest radiant Source of God's Mercy for all humanity. Second, today is the beginning of May, the month of Our Blessed Mother who prays ceaselessly for us in Heaven. Third, today is also the beatification of Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) who, among others, used to spend a long time each day praying before the Resurrected Christ in the Eucharist. He, too, is remembered as the Pope praying the Holy Rosary constantly. No wonder our beloved Pope John-Paul II was such an awesome grace-filled delegate of Christ, transradiant habitually with Christ's Divine Energy and saintly human energy. Alleluia! Alleluia!
April 21-23 (The Triduum: Holy Thursday, Holy Friday, and Holy Saturday/ celebrating the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the whole imperfect world from beginning to end)
Without exception, it appears that the most common problem or cross which everyone living outside of Heaven has to deal with from moment to moment is the cross of imperfection. It can be heavy at times. From it comes all kinds of imperfection, e.g., degeneration, weakness, suffering, sickness, death, evil, sin, fault, failure, mistake, misunderstanding, confusion, natural disaster, human affliction, broken relationship, war, accident, tragedy, pollution, bad energy, etc., which we are so familiar with from reading the newspapers.
However, it is Christ, the All-in-all as mentioned, who --- being also the tireless Saviour of all creation (outside of Heaven) --- has carried our whole cross of imperfection on His shoulders, side by side together with ours. Along with His human passion and death, the God-Man annihilates the cross for us, i.e., we do not have to carry it into Heaven which consists only of celebrating the eternal triumph of the cross. It is true that the carrying of the cross is central to us on earth. Yet, there are two ways in carrying it, one by ourselves alone, and one with the help of Christ (Mt 11:28).
On the other hand, there are also two ways in which Christ can carry the cross of our imperfections: one all by Himself, and one with our help. Manifestly, carrying all the imperfections of the world from its beginning to end, it must have been so devastatingly heavy on His shoulders that the Lord falls down three times in a short span (according to tradition). Hence, we are all called to be Simon, helping Jesus to carry the cross through, for example, accepting our own cross, doing repentance, penance, forgiving others, helping others to carry their cross, assisting many to know God, and, in particular, keeping Christ --- in the Sacrament of Sacraments --- company most lovingly.
Resurrected, this God --- being Perfect Existence or Infinite Happiness Itself too, gives us all His infinite perfection. This is the so-called New Heaven and New Earth, e.g., the eternal life without any degeneration, weakness, suffering, sickness, death, evil, sin, fault, mistake, misunderstanding, confusion, natural disaster, human affliction, broken relationship, war, accident, tragedy, pollution, bad energy, etc. (Rev 21:3-4)
As Divine Revelation pronounces to us unmistakably, the Lord of all creation declares: "See, I am making all things new. It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children." (Rev 21: 5-7)
In any case, while we are traveling pilgrims on earth heading to the New Heaven and the New Earth as promised to us, the Alpha and Omega of all eternal life Himself has not forgotten us. In fact, being the All-in-all, this Living Source of Infinite Happiness is present everywhere, in particular in the Blessed Sacrament, actively inviting us to respond in order to give us the necessary transforming peace, wisdom and courage, etc., for our seemingly long journey. "Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Mt 11:28)
Some may say: "I am rich. I have prospered, and I need nothing." (Rev 3: 17a) Then, the Lord would say: "You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked… Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come to you and eat with you, and you with me. To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying." (Rev 3:17b-21)
Alleluia! Alleluia! Together with all the Holy Angels and Saints in Heaven and on earth, let all of us, then, give thanks and praise to Our Lord Jesus Christ unceasingly, forever and ever!
* It may be vital to note that starting on Good Friday or Holy Friday, one can start praying the time-tested powerful 9-day Divine Mercy Novena.
April 8 (A thought to share during Lent, copyrighted)
In general view of recent and world disasters occurred since the beginning of creation, two worldviews may come alive for our present and future contemplation:
(1) Physical nature, human nature, and God's supernatural nature exist in three separate blocks. They have no inner or external relations among one another. Therefore, we can do whatever we are pleased with our physical and human natures.
(2) Physical nature, human nature, and God's supernatural nature do not exist in separate blocks. In fact, God's supernatural nature permeates both physical nature and human nature through and through (cf. Ps 139:7-8; Jer 31:33; etc.). If we want both physical and human natures to serve us well, which God the Creator has originally designated as a blueprint of all creation, we have to regularly attune to and practice God's omnipresent supernatural nature, in prayer, fasting, good works, indeed even repentance and penance. However, if we rebel or sin against God's supernatural nature in our physical and human natures recklessly, both physical and human natures will rebel or sin against us accordingly.
It is, therefore, always vital for us to choose wisely. Notably, the following is a timely prayer paraphrased and Christianized from the writing of the virtuous Cleanthes of Assos (c.330-c.230 BC):
Lead us, O God of Heaven and earth, Our Destiny,
Lead humanity on, to whatsoever task Thou send us,
Lead Thou us on. We follow fearless, or, if in mistrust
We lag and will not, follow still
we must!
March 27 ---------------------------
Today two vital groups are formed at the Fu Jen Immaculate Conception Church. First, there is the Fu Jen Prayer Group.
Simultaneously, an official branch of the Holy Family Association for parishioners was also established this afternoon.
May the Divine Heavenly Family, i.e., the Most Holy Trinity and Its Family of Holy Angels, continue, therefore, to bless these two wonderful groups superabundantly!
March 25 --- Feast of the Annunciation
Blessed Sister Theresa of Calcutta used to say that the greatest poverty in the world is "not knowing Christ." She added that when we open our eyes and look around, we would find that many people are really hungry for God.
Knowing we are constantly looking for Him who is not easy to find, God has been looking for us and even become one of us, incarnated. More amazingly, this God-Man is everywhere after Resurrection, present in particular in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting to satisfy our ontological hunger, enriching us immensely to our heart's content.
This, therefore, is what celebrate most gratefully today, i.e., the beginning of the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity when Angel Gabriel announced to the future Mother of God about this unthinkable plan of God for all humanity. At the same time, we have to be truly grateful to the Theotokos, for without her co-operative yes or fiat, this incredible plan of God would have been impossible.
March 18
It is said that a great catastrophe is always a new beginning of something. Before that is being figured out clearly in Japan, let us continue to mourn in solidarity and pray fervently for the victims and situations over the recent apocalyptic earthquake, tsunami, and chain-explosion of various nuclear reactors, etc., over there. Perhaps we should also pray for the global village at the same time, for what has happened in Japan may also take place in other parts of the world in the future in some way, at least in terms of the nuclear fallout. Lord, have great mercy! Lord, have great mercy!
As today is St. Patrick's Day, let us also ask St. Patrick and other Saints and Holy Angels to be praying for us! As tomorrow is St. Joseph's Day, we also have faith in this wonderful Saint.
March 9 --- Ash Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of the annual purification process which peaks on the Lord's Resurrection Sunday. Through participating in fasting, prayers, God's Word, Holy Masses, personal conversion, good works, and special devotion, etc., all are called to be purified, transformed or divinized, in order to resemble more and more the transfigured or resurrected Jesus Our Lord, resplendent in radiant grace, purity, and glory.
March 5/
The Fu Jen Faculty of Theology is conducting a two-day conference this weekend on the Word of God. May the Holy Spirit, our Heavenly Mother and all the Holy Angels and Saints bless this vital get-together!
Feb. 26/
By the grace of God, Fu Jen Catholic University was visited two days ago by Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, the newly appointed secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. He is not only an intelligent professor of theology and a brilliant member of the International Theological Commission, but is also quite humble, personal and humorous, well liked by his friends and audience. As a gift to his wonderful visit, the author thought of nothing better than the newly published book Christology of Qi which is evangelical by nature. As expected, it was gratefully received. Praise God!
By the way, the gentleman who volunteers to translate the book Radiation of the Holy Eucharist into Chinese is actually a high school friend of the Archbishop. Praise God that this book was coincidentally given to the Archbishop last summer too when he was visiting Toronto as Rev. Prof. Hon. It is important that these books are in the hands of the right people, both for sharing and improvements. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Feb. 11 ----- Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
On this feast day, a member of the Fu Jen Parish Intercessional Team prayed for two hours before the Blesesed Scrament at the Immaculate Conception Chapel today. As a result, she found both her hands and the floor of the Chapel were covered with sparkling gold dusts. Well, giving her report the benefit of doubt, this spiritual vision should be interpreted positively, namely, that prayer is very important in today's world.
As we know, the whole universe is permeated with God's omnipresence. Obviously, the only barrier is sin or sinful energies which have invisibly and insidiously overwhelmed our whole environment. However, with an immaculate heart of gold, one would begin to sense God's presence everywhere through fervent prayers, in particular in the presence of the Eucharistic Jesus. Alleluia! Alleluia!
By the way, the beautiful hymn coming from this webpage was first installed when the author was a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Toronto back at least 10 years ago. May Our Heavenly Mother, therefore, continue to bless all the priests and parishioners there, as well as all others who do have and even do not have a special devotion to her! Alleluia!
February 1 ------------
Here we would like to wish all our dear readers a happy New Year according to either the current universal calendar (Jan. 1) and/or that of the Chinese (Feb. 3).
Most people at the beginning of a new year or a novel period tend to have some significant plan. What notable plan, then, did God have at the beginning of creation when He emerged from eternity? As the Bible reveals to us, God began the All in all process.
As a whole, there are three categories of "all":
1. All --- Obviously, God the Uncreated Existence is the "All" (1Cor 15:28; Eph 4:6);
2. all --- One may say that "all" represents "all created existence" or "all creation";
3. All-in-all --- Biblically, "Christ is all in all" (Col 3:11). One may, hence, note that Christ, the Uncreated-created Existence, is the "All-in-all", as this Uncreated-created Cosmic Christ --- the Light of the universe --- permeates all creation.
Succinctly, in the process of All in all, the ultimate goal of God reaching out from eternity is to create "all", so that God would be All in all, permeating all and inviting all to partake in His infinite fullness. Yet, according to God's plan, it is through Christ the "All-in-all" that "All" creates and reaches out to all creation (Col 1:16-17). At the same time, it is through this "All-in-all" that all creation may reach out to "All" and share in the fullness of "All". Even more amazing, as the fullness of "All" is pleased to dwell in Christ the "All-in-all" (Col 1:19), all that all creation may share, ultimately speaking, is nothing but "the All-in-all" (i.e., the Cosmic Christ) and the infinite fullness that belongs to Him in both the Uncreated and the created realms.
Hence, St. Paul prays that we "may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breath and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Eph 3: 18) In this way, we may to some extent begin to "see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things." (Eph 3:9)
Therefore, all creation has to submit itself to Christ in humble adoration, praise, love, and thanksgiving, etc., even unceasingly. At the same time, all creation has to give appropriate honour to the Mother of Christ, the "Queen of the universe" or "Queen of all creation" (universorum Regina [Dogmatic Constitution on the Church 59]), who has made it possible for Christ the designated "All-in-all" to be truly present to all, so that all may share in the infinite fullness of God, as planned by God in reaching out to all creation. Praise God! Alleluia!
Jan. 25 --- Conversion of St. Paul
As regards the so-called "worthless servants" (Lk 17:10), some may ask: "Is God a Tiger Pa?" (cf. the most recent article by TIME entitled "The Truth about Tiger Moms" on a mother's memoir on tough-love parenting which has unleased an international debate) Well, if we focus on our achievements before others, many are surely no worthless servants at all. However, if we focus on the countless omissions of great and small graces given and planned by the Father, Lk 17:10 is certainly correct. After all, "God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble." (1Pet 5:5) Being truly humble before God, therefore, will never lose. In fact, it is a time-tested secret of obtaining superabundant graces from God. All in all, all the tough-love parenting of the all-loving Lord is directed only towards the present good and ultimate blessing of His children, as witnessed in the life of St. Paul whose conversion the Church is celebrating today. Obviously, this is the reason why St. Paul urges us not to accept the grace of God in vain (2Cor 6:1). Alleluia! Alleluia!
By the way, the service of the two Prayer Boxes is timely for many, e.g, the intention to pray for the quick recovery of Archbishop of Taipei who has to be hospitalized for a few weeks. It is certainly a responsibility for Christians in Taiwan and even elsewhere to be praying so as members of the Communion of Saints in the universal Church of Christ.
Further, by the grace of God, there is now a volunteer to translate the Christological outline, although no deadline is set. At the same time, Christology of Qi which was going to be published in China has just been published by the Fu Jen University Press. It is just so beautiful and should be available at the Fu Jen University Bookstore in a few days. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jan. 19-20 ------------
By the grace of God, two Anonymous Prayer Boxes have been most recently set up, one locally at the Fu Jen Immaculate Conception Parish and the other one electronically on the present website located next to this current Communication. In fact. some early birds may have already been there eletronically praying for one another. This site is just serving as a convenient channel in which everybody can pray for everybody. All in all, both function as two big Intercessional Teams in which every visitor or participant can participate anonymously for the well being of others, practicing and experiencing the great blessing as regards the Mystery of the Communion of Saints. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Talking about the 25th Anniversary of Grace Institute (1985-2010), apparently one big celebration last August is sufficient, thanks to the wonderful hospitality of Dr. and Mrs. Paul Hwang, etc., in Toronto. It is true that many small, informal celebrations have been taking place ever since. At the same time, a word of gratitude is due to many kind-hearted friends in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Canada, USA, Europe and other parts of the world, who wish great blessings for Grace Institute.
Perhaps the next big celebration
of Grace Institute should take place only in 2035 for its 50th
Anniversary. Most certainly, if God is so willing, many will be
there to personally witness the amazing grace of the whole Divine
Heavenly Family, i.e., the Most Holy Trinity together with Its
whole Family of Holy Angels and Saints. Even then, we can only
say, after all is said and done, that "we are worthless servants
who have done only what we ought to have done!" (Lk 17:10)
Hopefully, God the Father would respond to us with these words:
"You are my beloved children, in whom I am well pleased!"
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jan. 12 ------------
The last class on Christology of Qi was finally completed a few days
ago on Jan. 9. A word of appreciation is due to Rev. Prof. Lucas Wang for permitting the course to take place at the Fu Jen Immaculate Conception Parish. As a result, a few of the participants are interested in starting an intercessory prayer team for the Parish, through which many would be brought closer to Christ and to one another in Him. Alleluia! Alleluia!
By the grace of God, the final draft for the publication of Christology of Qi was sent out earlier today to the publisher. Hopefully, this book would be published in a few weeks. At the same time, we need a volunteer to help us translate the outline of this course on Christology of Qi into English. If anyone is generous to offer his or her time, even an hour a week, please let us know. There is certainly no deadline, as everybody seems to be so busy today. Thank you!
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January 1, 2011 Feast day of the Mother of God (the Theotokos)
Happy New Year! Here, we would like to wish every one of our dear readers a great blessing in Christ and Our Heavenly Mother during 2011! Through the ever faithful and ever powerful intercession of the Mother of God, may the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace! (Num 6:24-26) May the whole Divine Heavenly Family, i.e., the Most Holy Trinity and Its whole Family of Saints and Holy Angels, be always with you also!
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* After this prayerful Year for Priests (June 19, 2009 - June 9, 2010), let us continue to pray for the Church in this prayerful Year of the Laity, in particular for our beloved Benedict XVI. As we know, the Pope is the chief minister and representative of Christ and all second-Christs on earth committed to serving and blessing the People of God, as well as the whole world and all of creation, transradiantly! As we know from daily experience, the head affects the body unceasingly, and vice versa. What an awesome duty, then, it is to be praying for the Pope! For the blessing of all, let us pray frequently also for vocations.
** What is written above is copyrighted by Grace Institute, since it may be published in some way in the future. Thank you.
*** Some may ask: Why does the author sometimes write something days ahead? Well, normally it is something important and would give him plenty of time for further improvement over the text. Alleluia
**** Encouraged by the Year of the Laity and a few scholars, the author --- who used to be shy --- has the courage now to introduce himself as follows, as he should, that this site has been written by John Cheng Wai-leung, Ph.D. (religious philosophy), Th.M. (Eastern Orthodox studies), M.Div. (Roman Catholic studies), co-beginner of Theology of Energy and Grace Institute of the Holy Eucharist. He is a researcher on Theology of Energy (or Theology of Qi) at the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology, Taipei, Taiwan. Praise be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! Alleluia!
Correspondence: jjalleluia@yahoo.com