There is
something to be said for attending the Good Friday Passion service in Mandarin.
As I understood maybe 40 per cent of what was said, I had to be extremely
attentive to follow what was going on, which I could, for I was familiar with
the Passion reading. And because I was so focused on the proceedings, it became
more real for me than it usually is. What made it special as well was that it
was sung in Mandarin quite beautifully.
On Easter morning itself, I literally felt a thrill of joy as I sang the first Alleluia (at an English-speaking mass celebrated by Monsignor Paul Russell). I could really rejoice that Jesus died and rose again, conquering the death of sin so that I can be part of God's eternal plan of salvation.
I was joyful that He has given me and my brothers, the incredible gift of my mother. I was glad that my parents have given the four of us the prize of their faith and that we were all in God's house together as a family, giving thanks for my mother on her 80th birthday (Dad would have been ecstatic if he were around).
The movement from physical as well as spiritual, emotional and psychological darkness to light in John's Gospel is experienced profoundly by the three protagonists. Monsignor Russell invited each of us to see who we were, of the three people standing at the empty tomb.
Was our faith at the level where we loved Jesus so intimately, deeply and passionately that we could believe the impossible more easily and quickly? Did we allow ourselves to die to self and our human beliefs and thus be able to walk forward in buoyant hope and joy?
While I profess to love Him in an intimate, deep and passionate way, I often fall prey to believing my way is best and I forge ahead instead of letting Him take charge. The fear of the murky unknown makes me struggle instead of submitting the future into His hands.
When I finally submit my fears and my ego, and rely on Him completely, He never fails to respond in ways that are astounding and outstanding. I then ask myself why I worried and fussed so much for He always comes through in aces.
This trip to Taipei was one such example. More than usual, I wanted things to be perfect, for my Mum, thus I was beset with many fears and what ifs. So when I hit roadblocks, I would initially dig in my heels in stiff outrage. It was good that I continually offered this trip up to Him for I knew it could only be perfect if He was in charge. And it was. Perfect.
Everything came together like clockwork. The apartment was perfectly located - near restaurants, shops, and most importantly, Holy Family Church (how cool is that?). We got around like a dream because my sister-in-law is proficient in Mandarin and my eldest bro is like a human GPS.
We met many people who were friendly, helpful and just so hospitable. It was a little drizzly but pleasantly cool and the rain did not deter us from enjoying Taipei much. We managed to find good food, although we all need to detox for a week for we ate way too much cholesterol-laden food.
Best of all, it's been great coming together as a family and spending time doing stuff as one cohesive unit. Mum really enjoyed having all of us chatting and laughing together, as did I.
We four are "the manifestations of my parents' love" as my father was fond of reminding us. This time, it was she who reminded us that we must stick together in love, as my father used to exhort us through those years of growing up.
While we may argue and have our differences (we each have a very distinctive point of view), I hope my brothers know how much I love them, and that I would do anything for them. For having experienced the selfless and generous love of Jesus in my life, and having a living and breathing relationship with Him makes me want to share this love with everyone in my life, especially my loved ones. My family.
On Easter morning itself, I literally felt a thrill of joy as I sang the first Alleluia (at an English-speaking mass celebrated by Monsignor Paul Russell). I could really rejoice that Jesus died and rose again, conquering the death of sin so that I can be part of God's eternal plan of salvation.
I was joyful that He has given me and my brothers, the incredible gift of my mother. I was glad that my parents have given the four of us the prize of their faith and that we were all in God's house together as a family, giving thanks for my mother on her 80th birthday (Dad would have been ecstatic if he were around).
The movement from physical as well as spiritual, emotional and psychological darkness to light in John's Gospel is experienced profoundly by the three protagonists. Monsignor Russell invited each of us to see who we were, of the three people standing at the empty tomb.
Was our faith at the level where we loved Jesus so intimately, deeply and passionately that we could believe the impossible more easily and quickly? Did we allow ourselves to die to self and our human beliefs and thus be able to walk forward in buoyant hope and joy?
While I profess to love Him in an intimate, deep and passionate way, I often fall prey to believing my way is best and I forge ahead instead of letting Him take charge. The fear of the murky unknown makes me struggle instead of submitting the future into His hands.
When I finally submit my fears and my ego, and rely on Him completely, He never fails to respond in ways that are astounding and outstanding. I then ask myself why I worried and fussed so much for He always comes through in aces.
This trip to Taipei was one such example. More than usual, I wanted things to be perfect, for my Mum, thus I was beset with many fears and what ifs. So when I hit roadblocks, I would initially dig in my heels in stiff outrage. It was good that I continually offered this trip up to Him for I knew it could only be perfect if He was in charge. And it was. Perfect.
Everything came together like clockwork. The apartment was perfectly located - near restaurants, shops, and most importantly, Holy Family Church (how cool is that?). We got around like a dream because my sister-in-law is proficient in Mandarin and my eldest bro is like a human GPS.
We met many people who were friendly, helpful and just so hospitable. It was a little drizzly but pleasantly cool and the rain did not deter us from enjoying Taipei much. We managed to find good food, although we all need to detox for a week for we ate way too much cholesterol-laden food.
Best of all, it's been great coming together as a family and spending time doing stuff as one cohesive unit. Mum really enjoyed having all of us chatting and laughing together, as did I.
We four are "the manifestations of my parents' love" as my father was fond of reminding us. This time, it was she who reminded us that we must stick together in love, as my father used to exhort us through those years of growing up.
While we may argue and have our differences (we each have a very distinctive point of view), I hope my brothers know how much I love them, and that I would do anything for them. For having experienced the selfless and generous love of Jesus in my life, and having a living and breathing relationship with Him makes me want to share this love with everyone in my life, especially my loved ones. My family.
May your Easter be as special as mine has been and may we all continue to luxuriate in the glory of this Easter season in our individual lives as we gaze at Jesus with the intimacy, depth and passion of love.
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