Gratitude & Thanksgiving

Watching the 3-hour long movie "The Odyssey" was exhilarating.  Several parts of the dialogue made me sense that the 3000-year-old ancient poem is far deeper than what it seems.   After the show, I tried to search out those parts of the dialogue that moved me to deeper thoughts.  This led me to resources that enlightened me, especially a particular Youtube video which gave me what I was looking for.  Below are notes from the video transcript, organised for easy reference, and given headings (my own) for clarity.  Link to the Video A DIFFICULT RETURN We would use the word odyssey for any long, difficult journey. But Homer gives more of the Odyssey to the broken household waiting for him, the disguises he wears after returning, the people who do or do not recognize him, and the violence required to make his home his own again. It is whether a man can return to the life that once made him who he was. ESCAPING THE BURDENS THAT MAKES LIFE MEANINGFUL In the land ...

Personal NOTES taken during mass Personal notes taken during homily by Rev Fr Edmund Chong, Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour 26 July 2026 Sunday

Sharing a valuable resource that very clearly explains the SSPX issue. Click here for the 33 min video:   Rev Deacon Sherman explains ------------------------- "Many faithful of the Church misperceive the issue of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) as simply being a problem with the newer liturgical form celebrated by the Catholic Church. The real disagreement they have with the Church is actually much deeper and wider than that. In the video, Rev. Deacon Professor Dr Sherman Kuek OFS gives us a very clear synopsis of who the SSPX are, and the historical background against which they exist. He explains very clearly why they have been excommunicated again from the Church. He also advises what our attitude ought to be as faithful Catholics, towards this society and their current state." ----------------- Quoting Rev Deacon Sherman: As faithful Catholics, what should our attitude be towards the SSPX? We can recognise that there is truth in their frustration.  We can sympath...

David Hockney was introduced to me i n 2025, by Kuan, my first watercolour instructor.  During a Zoom session on colour theory, Kuan showed us a photograph of Hockney to illustrate his masterful use of complementary colours - not only in his paintings, but also in the way he dressed. I became more acquainted with Hockney and his artistic wisdom only when news of the passing of this artistic giant reached me this June. As I read and watched more about his life and work, many of his thinking and ideas captivated me.  I may not understand all of what he said yet, so I took notes, hoping to return to them at some point in the future. Note: To my best recollection, I have coded his own words in blue.   The rest of the  notes (in brown ) are what I read/hear of people talking about Hockney.   ----------------- David Hockney's career spanned 70 years,  He passed away on 11 June 2026, aged 88. The breadth of his career is hard to overstate: from abstraction t...

LInk to EWTN explanation of this iconic painting EWTN explanation The Trinity, called The Hospitality of Abraham Russian painter Andrei Rublev (1360 - around1427) The term Trinity is not mentioned in the Bible, but the revelation of a Trinitarian God is understood in Gen 18. Genesis 18:1-8 The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks  of Mamre…..He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.”  So, they said, “Do as you have said.” … About Andrei Rublev's painting Rublev’s icon depicts this scene with three angels, similar in appearance, sitting around a table.  In the background is the house ...

Notes summarised from The Study: "Foundations of Faith : A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church" (Workbook pages 35-37) Notes from "Overview of Catholic Theology", Rev Fr Michael Chan

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.     As I journey through the Foundations of Faith program*, the Lord led me this morning to the pages about the Trinity.  Today's feast will hold fresh meaning as I seek a deeper understanding of this great mystery. Sharing some notes from the pages I read - quoting directly from the book and from the CCC. ------------------------- God is eternal blessedness,  undying life, unfading light.   God is love:   Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  (CCC 257)   THE CONCEPT OF THE TRINITY The word "trinity" is not in the Bible. But the New Testament constantly refers to three distinct Persons who are equally divine yet completely one (2 Cor 13:14). From the earliest days, the Church's worship has been tri-personal - giving glory to the Father , through the Son ("through him, and with him and in him)... in the unity of the Holy Spirit ." In the second century, church Father Tertullian...

PERSONAL NOTES taken of Homily @ MASS  CELEBRATING THE FEAST DAY OF OUR LADY OF THE CENACLE These are quick notes taken (not verbatim). Any errors or omissions are mine alone.  For private sharing only, please do not post on social media apps (1)  God always makes the first move.   Every good we do come from the one source: The One who calls The One who equips The One who sends (2) It is not only about doing,  but about remaining in the Lord.  It is about being. (3) Our first call is to be in the presence of God so as to live out the being: of being the beloved of being the child of God (4) It is about being connected before stepping out.  It is about prayer before mission listening before speaking communion before action (5) Mission without prayer is empty action.   Service without prayer life is a drain.   But prayer is not an escape from mission. (6) Renewal - Ez 36:23-28 A new heart and a new spirit Renewal changes the way...

PERSONAL NOTES taken @ SSVP Annual Retreat (16 May 2026) Conduced by Rev Fr Richards Ambrose RETREAT THEME:  ARE YOU BOUND FOR HEAVEN? [This is not a verbatim transcript (& Fr did not have visuals/slides).  These are brief notes taken for reference.  The notes are not compiled in the exact sequence of Fr's delivery, but re-organised to a small extent, and put under headings for better clarity.   Any errors or omissions are mine alone.] For personal sharing only.   Strictly not for posting on social media apps please.  PART A - THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AND THE FULLNESS OF LIFE We are all called to be saints. What state do I need to be in to be in heaven? WHAT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN? To know Jesus and to follow Jesus God created us to  know him love him serve him We can enter the Kingdom of God because God has given us The Word of God His Holy Spirit . THE FULLNESS OF LIFE The fullness of life is to be found in union with ...

Capturing beautiful words of wisdom by David Morales, one of my favourite artist About drawing the ordinary

Collecting gems from the Daily Rosary Meditation by the School of Faith.- episode on 14 Jan 2026

I encountered this ancient prayer recently, and loving it: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with all its love, all its sufferings and all its merits. First To expiate all the sins I have committed  this day and during all my life.  Glory Be... Second To purify the good I have done poorly  this day and during all my life.  Glory Be... Third To supply for the good  I ought to have done,  and that I have neglected  this day and all my life.  Glory Be... The “Prayer of Daily Neglects“ focuses on atoning for the small faults and negligences that occur in our daily lives.  It involves reflecting on moments when we have been inattentive to those around us, wasted time, or failed in small ways, and asking for God’s mercy.  The prayer helps us to become more conscious of minor sins and to make amends through contrition, resolution to improve, and grace sought from God.

I encountered a really beautiful thought today: What draws people is the  quiet strength and calm joy of someone who lives in God’s peace. A peaceful spirit  is the only way to be  a   consistent witness of the Gospel. It was said as part of the Daily Rosary Meditation hosted by Dr Mike Scherschligt, who was introducing St Seraphim of Sarov (1754), whom Dr Mike said, gave a single piece of advice: Every Christian in the state of grace carries the Trinity within.  Our task is to let others glimpse God through us.  That happens only when our hearts are calm,  trusting in Him, whatever comes.  When we are at peace,  people can see God in us.