Prayers for Sabah, Malaysia

Many may not know where Sabah is, until the recent chaos caused by a claim of a long-extinct sultanate of Sulu that Sabah, MALAYSIA, is their homeland and they suddenly "desire to claim the land" back. Hence, a few hundreds Suluk "warriors" sailed from their origin, which is the PHILIPPINES, about a month ago, and tried to take over a village in Lahad Datu. Warriors or not, personally, they didn't think of the interests of those Suluk people who left southern Philippines during the crazy murderous times for a better life in Malaysia, be it as asylum seekers or illegal immigrants. Had this very high almighty sultan without a land but full of empty promises ever spare a thought for the fate of his potential "royal subjects" of Suluk people living in Sabah when he launched this murderous act? Probably he thought sacrificing the opportunities of more than 800,000 Suluks in Sabah to live a better life is worth of his future "kingdom". Or maybe he didn't consider the consequences of his murderous acts. Imagine them being chased back to their original land of southern Philippines due to this act of their "king"? The predator will be preyed upon their flee home I guess.

Not forgetting the natives who live in Sabah for more than 20000 years. Will they ever consider this "conquerer" a king or an intruder of their peaceful land? His "royal highness" probably forgot that besides his "royal subjects", the land is inhabited by the real royal subjects of the DYMM King of Malaysia. He forgot that Sabah gained independence through the formation of Malaysia in 1963 and has since been in the world map as part of Malaysia, not a part of some fabricated "Nation of Sulu". He forgot that a kingdom obtained by bloodshed will end in bloodshed too. Maybe soon he will remember. Maybe.

I'm just a Malaysian who lived in peaceful land of Sabah for 9 years before leaving to further my studies. I saw development, maybe some complaints (as usual) here and there, and definitely a great deal of diversity and unity. The love and peace shared in the state encouraged me that Malaysia is worth fighting for. A diverse nation yet live rather harmoniously together. We, Malaysians, are special and different ethnic groups live as one for more than 50 years now. I am saddened and angered by acts of thoughtlessness towards my home of 9 years, a place I want to call home in future too.

Maybe this self-declared royal highness of a long-gone kingdom wants a better life himself, and for his family members in future. Yet, he truly has forgotten the men whom he brainwashed to fight for his betterment have family members who love them too. Spare a thought for them too!

As the alerts are raised and people are tensed about the possibility of Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, to be attacked by these intruders, prayers are lifted up by every person who believes in God. Be it Christians, Muslims or any other religions, all with one voice is crying out to God to save His people. I personally will be starting the novena of Divine Mercy tonight for this intention. And may the Lord strengthen the faith of His people in Sabah, and grant peace upon this land below the wind once again. Amen.

Lenten Reflection: 3rd March 2013, Sunday

The Lord is merciful and kind... (Psalm 103:8a)

I'm writing from the desk of my friend in Liverpool, since I am currently outstation to do my sample collection for my masters project. It is indeed a blessing in my life to have met so many wonderful and hospitable Malaysian students here, and their kind assistance to my project is indeed very much appreciated. I just can't help thanking my friend, Neb, again and again for her help to lookup her friends in Liverpool. Indeed, the Lord is merciful and kind...

Today morning, as I woke up from the sleep and went through the whole routine of checking mails, and Facebook notifications, I saw more news on the intrusion of the state of Sabah, Malaysia, by the no-land Sulu "sultanate". This land has been my home for the past nine years, and all my spiritual family members residing in this peaceful land below the wind are currently at the very center of commotion. I am genuinely concerned about the current situation in Sabah when I read the news that five policemen were down during an ambush in Semporna. Since Malaysia was formed in 1963, we barely faced dangerous situations as such, at least since I was born until now. I had lived through peaceful, developing times of Malaysia. I am saddened by the fact of all the chaos which are happening back home while I am in Europe for my studies. There is nothing much which I could do, besides offering my worries to the Lord, and praying for this land and people whom I love back home, and also to relay information of my network to others who may need it in my network. But indeed, the Lord is still merciful and kind...

Many people may say that this is untrue, and rebuke that if the Lord is really merciful, such chaos would not happen. I saw something beautiful in the midst of chaos. More people are praying right now for to regain peace in Sabah. More people are united against foreign forces who are trying to invade the state. More people return to God because of difficult times. Yes, our faith is challenged by all these chaotic situations, and yes, it can be shaken. But this faith of the size of the mustard seed can move mountains if we believe that God will bring peace to His people even in the midst of stormy seas in life. Jesus calmed the sea more than two thousand years ago when the Apostles were afraid and called out to Him. He would be here with us to calm the storms in our lives, if we call out to Him too. And our God is the God of second chances, and He would be merciful and kind if we turn to Him once again.

So let us renew our faith by giving ourselves a chance to believe in God again, and pray for physical and spiritual renewals for ourselves, and for everyone else. And pray specially for peace in the Sabah, Malaysia, in times of trouble like this. Amen.

Lenten Reflection: 2nd March 2013, Saturday

I'm sitting in the train waiting for the weekend getaway to start. Looking at worried faces of the train workers and the initial failure to start the train, I have in mind of a delayed journey. I like my days planned rather than unplanned but delays as such are inevitable. Yesterday I spent the whole day in my room trying to complete my essay and I did find it hard to start. Once the ideas started flowing out, it became easier.

And suddenly the train begins the journey towards Nottingham where I'll catch the connecting train to Liverpool. Hence, my journey begins.

Today's Gospel is on the parable of the prodigal son. This is a reminder for me and probably to you all, that we are loved deeply by the Father and all He yearns is that we return home to Him despite the unworthiness we feel inside. All the sins and wrongdoings which may have hindered our relationship with God are what we should leave behind and run towards God who saves us. The act of Jesus dying on the cross has often be misunderstood as a reflection of suffering and cruelty of mankind. Yet, this very act of His death redeemed us from the Satan and reestablished our relationship with God, if only we accept and proclaim Him as our Saviour.

May we have the courage to return home this Lent no matter what we have done. Amen.

Lenten Reflection: 28th February 2013, Thursday

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord." (Jeremiah 17:7)

Today the word for me is "trust". Many a times, I failed to trust the Lord 100%. Though I may have prayed for divine providence, I may have failed by doubting if the prayers will be granted according to my plan, my time, my way, my will. In fact, we like to have it our way all the things in life. God's ways are different from mortal ways. Our thoughts and intelligence and understanding are limited, but God is infinite. It seems easy enough to say "I will trust in the Lord", but it is an easier said than done matter. Sometimes when we pray, His answer is a big N-O when we expect it to be a Y-E-S. It can be disappointing to not have it our way. Yet, I learned that His NO in all the wrong things which I had asked through prayers was indeed the utmost blessing in my life. I wouldn't be where I am if God had granted all those bad things I had asked.

Trust in Lord is a blessing, for He alone brings true hope in life.

Even if right now it seems so hard to fully trust God, take it slow - one step at a time. Eventually, we'll get to the 100% trust in Him. If King David, who was acknowledged by God as a man after His own heart, could trust God in times of turbulence and perils, in times of dangers and sorrows, why can't most of us who are basically living in comfortable conditions trust in Him?

Lenten Reflection: 27th February 2013, Wednesday

Yesterday, the word which struck me from the daily readings was "talk".

Today, the word is "serve" from Matthew 20:28...

"... even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Life is a mystery itself, yet, this mystery is definitely a joyful one. Sometimes there are ups, sometimes downs. However, life is never stagnant. I recall telling a worthy friend that I enjoy routine, and am rigid when it comes to routine. When I am trained to speak to one person daily, I get frustrated when the routine changes. Yet, this friend told me that there is nothing that will not change. I do agree with him, but defiantly, I rebuked him then. Yes, I know that "change is the only constant in life", as quoted from Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher. Nobody invites change in his life, but indeed, change is inevitable, just like all the changes which I am going through right now.

For the past 1.5 years, I told the people whom I know that these two years (since 2011) I want to "be still" and receive from God. Oddly enough, I feel like instead of receiving, I suck life out of the people around me sometimes. It was devastating whenever I go through my "moments" that someone in my life will lose their energy source. Right now, it is time for me to "talk" to God, and start looking at Him and learn to "serve" Him fully.

Today there was mass in campus, though not many turned up (as usual), but it was encouraging to see new faces, and yes, the presence of a lecturer of UoL was definitely encouraging! The word "serve" rang loudly in my ears as Fr. John proclaimed the Good News. Yes, while receiving, I am called to serve too, and to walk the talk which Jesus taught us through His life on earth.

Looking at the God who loves me to bits, talking to Him of all my fears and worries in life, and now, considering the mission of serving Him fully. Where will all these lead me to? What about yourselves out there? Have you considered looking deeply into yourselves to meet Him in your fears and worries? Have you tried telling Him the pain which you feel inside? For once, tell Him. May He who created you be the light unto your path tonight.

God bless.

Will You Follow Me?

A friend from the UoL Christian Union shared this on the ULCU Facebook page, and I think it is an awesome reflection for Lent. It stirred my heart into answer and action. What about you? Will you follow HIM?

Lenten Reflection: 26th February 2013, Tuesday

Hear the word of the Lord,

you rulers of Sodom;

listen to the command of our God,

you people of Gomorrah.

'Wash make yourselves clean.

Take your wrong-doing out of my sight.

Cease to do evil.

Learn to do good,

search for justice,

help the oppressed, be just to the orphan,

plead for the widow.

'Come now, let us talk this over,

says the Lord.

Though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red as crimson,

they shall be like wool.

'If you are willing to obey,

you shall eat the good things of the earth.

But if you persist in rebellion,

the sword shall eat you instead.'

The mouth of the Lord has spoken.

(Isaiah 1:10, 16-20)

Today's first reading reminds me of all the sins which I committed in the dark behind close doors, and within my heart. What really struck me is the Lord's openness to "talk this over" about our sins and how we are redeemed if we are "willing to obey", and the prophet Isaiah included both the consequences of persisting in our sinful ways and when we turn back to God. It reminds me that I have a choice, and a decision to make. To follow Him or not is up to me, really... I guess I'm more comfortable to try following Him, despite multiple falls, I live. His will is my mission in life. Though not knowing fully the plan God has for me, I still believe that His plans are the best.

Right now, in the midst of rejections of the PhD applications which I made earlier, I could only trust that His plan is greater than mine. And I am trying to "talk it over" with God about my intentions and let's see where He will lead me to. Besides the further studies intention, I, too, am intending to fuel the starting of Catholic Society in University of Lincoln while I am here. I find this an issue which is very close to my heart and hope that it will materialise. And of course, the plan is to start off with Student Alpha next week and see if it will work out :)