Gratitude

Whenever we pray, especially in the morning or in times of difficulties, there is more often than not a realization that our day belongs to the Lord, our lives (the good, the bad and the ugly) all belongs to the Lord, and it is in this realization that we turn to the Lord and ask the essential questions, “Lord, what is your will for me?” or “Lord, I dedicate my day, my vocation to you.”

Yet, in order for us to arrive at this realization, what sometimes if not all the time we ought to do is to give thanks to the Lord first and foremost, “Thank you Lord, that I am still alive today.” For whenever we give thanks to the Lord, we acknowledge that whatever we have is first and foremost a gift from Him, in which though we are unworthy and non-deserving, yet the Lord desires to gift us with. Once we are able to acknowledge that all things (even life itself) is a gift from God and give Him thanks for it, we can let go of all that we may have thought is ours and our own doing, and turn over to God’s sovereignty and will. Once we have this metanoia, can we then truly say “Lord, what is your will for me today?”

It is only in our nothingness that we then able to acknowledge God’s totalness in us, and through us become co-cornerstones with the Chief Cornerstone Jesus Christ our Lord. A thankful person is a joy-filled person.

One Monthliversary at Church of St Anthony of Padua

Exactly one month ago, I packed my things and set off for a parish in the north of Singapore. It is my fourth year in the seminary. How time flies! The good news is that I will be from formal studies in the seminary. The good news is also that this is the Regency year, where I will be sent to a parish and live the life there. This aids the discernment process. Imagine this. All of us have our preconceived notion of the life of a priest. (The most absurd is that he works on sundays and rests on the other six.... if only...) This is the year where we will taste life in the parish: live in the parish and get involved in the activities. This will allow us to see if this is the life that we want to live for the rest of our days.

I still remember the day arrive, not sure what lies ahead, just assured that the Lord will be with me. And here I am now, one month later, enjoying every day that had past.


It is also 'exciting' to be in a place which has been making the news about the implementation of a dress code for worship. Imagine the buzz that goes on here.... actually there is little.... Surprise!

I am looking forward to the next months in the parish and so, "Adios!" till my next update on my time here.