V2Catholic.Com

V2Catholic.com A voice for the poor by HK prison chaplain胡頌恆神父Fr John Wotherspoon O.M.I.Dr Jesus Centre 187 Temple St Jordanjdwomi@gmail.com +852 67095674
Imitating Pope Francis 78

My other sites/links

Tues Sep 15

This morning I'm due to be at the District Court for day one of the trial of one of my bail cases ...followed by a visit to the High Court to make application for "variation of bail conditions" for another one of my bail cases, followed by a Voice for Prisoners meeting at the Dr Jesus Centre in Temple Street, followed at the same centre by the usual Tuesday evening gathering for Nepal drug addicts.

Pope's AI letter

104. From this follows a simple but compelling consequence: we cannot consider AI to be morally neutral. In reality, every technical tool embodies choices and priorities through what it measures, ignores and optimizes, and how it classifies people and situations. If a system is designed or used in a way that treats some lives as less worthy, or excludes them without the possibility of appeal, then it is not merely a tool “to be used well,” since it has already introduced criteria that contradict the inalienable dignity of the human person. For this reason, ethical discernment cannot be limited to asking whether we are using a system for good or bad purposes; it must also examine how that system is designed and what vision of the human person and society is embedded in the data and models that guide it.

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Israeli Gaza attack murders pregnant mother and baby

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The Book Blog: 4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

Readings for Feast of Mary of Sorrows (to go with yesterday's Feast of the Cross of Jesus)

Hebrews 5.7-9: During his life on earth, Christ offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.
My recording of this reading

Psalm 31: In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, hear me and speedily rescue me. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mighty stronghold to save me, for you are my rock, my stronghold. Into your hands I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me, Lord. I trust in you, Lord. You are my God. My life is in your hands, deliver me from the hands of those who hate me.

Recording

Luke 2.33-35: As the child's father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: "You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected - and a sword will pierce your own soul too - so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare."
Recording

John 19.25-27: Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, "Woman, this is your son". Then to the disciple he said, "This is your mother". And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home
Recording

Reflection on the above Bible readings:

A traditional prayer on this day: The Stabat Mater which has the words:

O dear Mother, fount of love.
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord:

Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.

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Last night as I got the MTR from Tok Wa Wan back to Jordan I remembered this article (item B)I wrote in 2015!
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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent, N America
Jesus, today, Tuesday, please bless the people of South Asia

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 15th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Liaoning

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 15th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Liberia

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Tuesday, please pacify Boko Haram

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Mon Sep 14

As the world gets crazier and ever more complicated, one thing we can do is to wear a sign of hope, Jesus' Cross .... about which see readings below for today's Feast of the Cross

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Israeli soldier filmed shooting Palestinian in leg in West Bank

Pope's AI letter

103. Indeed, entrusting an algorithm in practice with the power to select who is worthy or not, without anyone bearing responsibility for that judgment, is to hand over the task of redefining the boundaries of human possibilities. In this process, political responsibility is also lost, not just empathy toward those excluded, which can, after all, be simulated. The exclusion of the vulnerable becomes cloaked in a veneer of neutrality and objectivity, against which it becomes difficult to raise objections. In this way, injustice goes unnoticed, and compassion, mercy and forgiveness — understood not as mere appearances but as real political actions — gradually disappear from view.

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The Book Blog: 4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

Readings for Feast of The Cross
Numbers 21: In order to avoid the land of Edom, the Israelites headed towards the coastline. But the people again criticized God and Moses. So God sent snakes among the people, and many people died. The people then said to Moses "We have sinned; please pray for us to save us". Moses prayed for them, and God heard his prayer. God told Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. Anyone bitten by a snake could then look at the bronze snake and live.
Jesus' words (John 3.13): "The Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him".
Recording

Psalm 78: May future generations not be like our ancestors who so often were unfaithful to God. Even though our ancestors had seen God part the sea, even though they had seen him provide food and water for them in the desert, still they went on sinning. Yet he who is full of compassion forgave and spared them. He remembered they were only weak humans. Eventually he brought them to the promised land and gave a home to each of Israel's tribes. But still they sinned by building mountain shrines and serving idols. Then God raised up David to be their leader. God called him from looking after sheep to be the shepherd of his people.
Lord, help us not to forget all you have done for us
Recording

Philippians 2.6-11: His state was divine, yet Christ Jesus did not cling to his equality with God, but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and became as humans are. And being as all humans are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high, and gave him the name which is above all other names, so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus, and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Recording (song: The Philippians Hymn)

John 3.13-17: Jesus said to Nicodemus: "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven; and the Son of Man must be lifted up, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him". Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.
Jesus, only Son of God the Father, thank you for coming into this world. Please help more and more people believe in you

Recording

Reflection on the above Bible readings: Wear a Cross!

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MercyHK's canteen in Temple Street now has the most beautiful Banana Split, with 3 servings of ice cream!

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent, N. America

Jesus, today, Monday, please bless the people of Europe & Russia

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 14th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Jilin

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 14th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guinea Bissau

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Monday, please pacify I.S.

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Sun Sep 13

The school year in HK began on Sep 1. In the first week 8 students committed suicide. The youngest was 10. My 2012 article about this issue; my 2015 article; my 2021 article. Shame HK government for not taking action about this issue. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Horror, with global powers' support

Pope's AI letter

102. The use of AI is never a purely technical matter: when it enters processes that affect people’s lives, it touches on rights, opportunities, status and freedom. Important and sensitive decisions — concerning employment, credit, access to public services or even a person’s reputation — risk being fully delegated to automated systems that do not know “compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and above all, the hope that people are able to change,” [125] and can therefore give rise to new forms of exclusion. There are clearly harmful uses, such as the manipulation of information or violations of privacy. Yet there is also a subtler danger, for when AI systems present themselves as neutral and objective, they end up reflecting and reinforcing the stereotypes or ideological bias of their designers and developers.

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The Book Blog: 4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

c.f. readings for Sunday 24

Sirach 25-28: Happy the husband of a really good wife. A good wife is the joy of her husband. Do not praise a person before they have spoken. A person's speech reveals what sort of person is speaking. Among stupid people look for an opportunity to leave, but among thoughtful people take your time. Sarcasm and abuse are the mark of an arrogant person. Resentment and anger are bad for everyone. Forgive others if they have offended you. Then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven. Avoid quarrelling and losing your temper. Do not let your mouth speak scandal.
Lord, please give me the wisdom to control my speech
My recording of this reading

Psalm 103: My soul, give thanks to the Lord. All my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills. It is he who fills your life with good things, renewing your youth like an eagle's life. The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. As the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who love him. As far as the East is from the West, so far does he remove our sins. As a father has compassion on his children, the Lord has pity on all who love and honor him. Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels, who heed the voice of his word. Give thanks to the Lord, everyone and everything. My soul, give thanks to the Lord!
Thank you, Lord, for your love and compassion
Listen

Romans 14-15: The life and death of each of us, has its influence on others. If we live, we live for the Lord. If we die, we die for the Lord. Alive or dead, we belong to the Lord. Never pass judgment on other people. Never treat other people with contempt. The kingdom of God is not about eating special food. The kingdom of God is about friendship with God, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Do whatever you can to help other people become stronger Christians.
Jesus, please help me be a good Christian
Listen

Matthew 18.21-35: Peter asked Jesus "How many times must I forgive someone? 7 times?" Jesus answered "Not 7, but 77 times. For the kingdom of heaven is like a king who cancelled the huge debt of one of his servants. But that same servant refused to cancel the tiny debt of one of his fellow servants. So the king said to the servant: 'When you appealed to me, I had pity on you and cancelled your big debt. But you refused to have pity on your fellow servant who asked you for mercy. Therefore you must now go to prison until your big debt is paid.' If you refuse to forgive other people, you are making yourself ineligible for God's forgiveness."
Jesus, please help me to forgive other people, just as you forgive me....many times each day
Listen

Reflection on the above readings:

The Deadly Consequences of Unforgiveness - CBN News *** The healing power of forgiveness (by a psychologist)

Bible Claret Reflection

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HK English: Jockey Club. HK Chinese: Club (the same institution)

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific
Fri: South America
Sat: Cent., N America
Jesus, today, Sunday, please bless the people of Africa

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 13th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Jiangxi

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 13th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Congo

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Sunday, please bless all Muslims in my country

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Sat Sep 12

Last night I went with MercyHK case workers Agnes and Shirley, and volunteer Peter, to visit several street sleepers in Kwong Wah Hospital ... followed by a wa'k-about to visit a number of people actually sleeping on the street. And see below!

Historical photos of St Paul's Parish, Yau Ma Tei, including MercyHK photos

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Gaza documentary gets 25 minute Venice ovation

Pope's AI letter

101. Broadening our perspective to the use of AI in society, we see that it is now embedded in decision-making processes across many sectors and at multiple levels: in communication, management and control. The gains in efficiency and the potential to improve certain services are clear, yet rapidly and uncritically adopting them exposes us to a range of risks, including the tendency to overlook the environmental impact. Current AI systems require enormous amounts of energy and water, significantly influencing carbon dioxide emissions, and place heavy demands on natural resources. As their complexity increases, especially in the case of large language models, the need for computing power and storage capacity grows too, which requires an extensive network of machines, cables, data centers and energy-intensive infrastructure. For this reason, it is essential to develop more sustainable technological solutions that reduce environmental impact and help protect our common home.

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The Book Blog: 4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

Joshua 1: God said to Joshua: "I will be with you, as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you. Be strong and stand firm and be careful to keep all the Law which my servant Moses laid on you. Never swerve from this to right or left, and then you will be happy in all you do. Have the book of this Law always on your lips. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may carefully keep everything that is written in it. Be fearless, be confident, for wherever you go I the Lord your God am with you."

Then Joshua said to the people: "Get ready, for in 3 days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land which God is giving to you."
Dear God, thank you for the courage and confidence that you give us
My recording of this reading

Psalm 3: When people make fun of me for believing in you, Lord, I deeply remember how you are my help and my shield. Even when the whole world seems against me, I can go to bed and sleep easy, knowing that you protect me. O Lord, please rescue me from people who plot against me.
Lord our savior, please bless everyone who needs help.
Lord, thank you for your protection and help
Listen

Romans 5.12-21: Through one man, Adam, the virus of sin entered the world, and sin infected everyone with death. Through one man, Jesus, the divine anti-virus of grace entered the world,
and brought the gift of eternal life to everyone who allows it to be installed in their heart. The divine anti-virus of grace is more powerful than any sin virus
Jesus, please download and install in my heart your anti-virus program of grace
Listen

Luke 1.1-4: Dear Friend of God, there are already many reports written about Jesus. These reports come from people who were the earliest eyewitnesses and ministers of the Good News. After checking the whole story, I also have decided to write a report, so that you may see for yourself the truth and accuracy of the Good News
Jesus, help me understand your Good News
Listen

Reflection on the above readings: I really enjoyed this, it was the first one I saw in the series, and I was immediately "hooked" ... and have since watched about 20 others in the series: Why a doctor wrote the Bible's longest book

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Last night I learnt from MercyHK case worker Shirley Lee that there's now a new group of people sleeping overnight at McDonald's: tourists from the Mainland who don't want to pay for a hotel room!

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent. & N America
Jesus, today, Saturday, please bless the people of Central & North America

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 12th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Jiangsu

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 12th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guinea

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Saturday, please pacify the Taliban

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Fri Sep 11

On this 25th anniversary of "9/11", I wonder if any media will mention the reason for the attack? Explained here

As I watched the destroyed towers in Lebanon (1982, by Israel with US support), it occurred to me punish the unjust the same way [and] to destroy towers in America so it could taste some of what we are tasting

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: New documentary about Israeli killings in Gaza

Pope's AI letter

100. In light of what has been said, we can better understand why AI can be a valuable tool and, at the same time, why it calls for a measured and vigilant approach. In recent years, its private use has expanded significantly, prompting growing reflection on both the opportunities it offers and the risks tied to its rapid spread. In personal use, three aspects in particular deserve careful consideration: the ease with which results are obtained, the impression of objectivity and the simulation of human communication. The speed and simplicity with which information, complex analyses, media content and practical assistance can be accessed undoubtedly makes life easier. Yet they can also encourage excessive reliance and the search for ready-made answers, and weaken personal creativity and judgment. The apparent objectivity of the responses and suggestions these systems provide can lead us to overlook the fact that they reflect the cultural assumptions of those who designed and trained them, with all their strengths and limitations. The artificial imitation of positive human communication — words of advice, empathy, friendship and even love — can be engaging and at times genuinely helpful. However, for less discerning users, it can also be misleading, creating the illusion of a relationship with a real personal subject. When words are simulated, they do not build genuine relationships, but only their appearance. The artificial imitation of care or support can become particularly risky when it enters contexts where real relationships and emotional bonds are lacking. Here, the danger is not so much that a person may believe they are communicating with another person, but rather that they may gradually lose the very desire to form genuine human connections.

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The Book Blog: 4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

Deuteronomy 33 & 34: Before Moses died, he blessed the twelve tribes of Israel. Moses then went up Mount Nebo, opposite Jericho, where the Lord showed him the whole land that the Israelites would possess. Moses was buried in the land of Moab. After the people mourned Moses for 30 days, Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, since Moses had laid his hands on him. From that time there has never been a prophet like Moses, the man who knew the Lord face to face.
Dear God, thank you for the life of Moses. May civic and church leaders be more like him, filled with love for you and for the people
My recording of this reading

Psalm 2: Why are the nations revolting against God? Why won't the nations accept God? O kings and rulers of the nations, listen to God's voice. Serve the Lord with love and honor. Blessed are the nations that love the Lord
Let all the nations love you, Lord. Let all the nations love you
Listen

Romans 5.1-5: By faith and through Jesus we can live in the friendship of God. We look forward to heaven and an end to all suffering. In the meantime our suffering teaches us patience. Patience produces perseverance. Perseverance produces hope. This hope is not imaginary. It's real, since the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us
Jesus, through your Holy Spirit, please give me more hope
Listen

John 1.1-14: From all eternity the Word existed. The Word was with God the Father. The Word was God the Son. The Word was the source of life for all creatures. The Word became a man, and lived among us. We saw his glory, full of grace and truth. Many people did not recognize and did not accept the Word. But to everyone who did accept him, he gave power to become children of God
Jesus, please help me understand how you are the Word-made-flesh
Listen

Reflection on the above Bible readings: Excellent - What "The Word" really means

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Last night, to celebrate the 1972 anniversary of my late father, I had a beer and special potatoes ... one of his favourite dishes (... & as far as I remember, my first beer this year!)

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific
Frid: S. America
Sat: Cent, N. America
Jesus, today, Friday, please bless the people of South America

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 11th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Hunan

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 11th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Yemen

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Friday, please bless all Muslims

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Thu Sep 10

Yesterday afternoon I went to the China Travel Service Office in Kowloon Bay to apply for a special travel permit available to HK residents .... needed by my China TikTok account (to warn Mainland people about the danger of being tricked into money laundering in HK) and also useful for a possible trip to the Mainland after Christmas.

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Video: Israel's destruction in Lebanon *** UK Prime Minister's outstanding statement about a two-state solution

Pope's AI letter

99. It is not possible to provide a single, comprehensive definition of AI. What can be stated, however, is that we must avoid the misconception of equating this type of “intelligence” with that of human beings. These systems merely imitate certain functions of human intelligence. In doing so, they often surpass human intelligence in speed and computational capacity, offering tangible benefits across many fields. Yet this power remains entirely tied to data processing. So-called artificial intelligences do not undergo experiences, do not possess a body, do not feel joy or pain, do not mature through relationships and do not know from within what love, work, friendship or responsibility mean. Nor do they have a moral conscience, since they do not judge good and evil, grasp the ultimate meaning of situations, or bear responsibility for consequences. They may imitate language, behavior and analytical skills, or even simulate empathy and understanding, but they do not understand what they produce, for they lack the affective, relational and spiritual perspective through which human beings grow in wisdom. Even when these tools are described as capable of “learning,” their way of doing so is different from that of a human person. It is not the experience of those who allow themselves to be shaped by life and grow over time through choices, mistakes, forgiveness and fidelity. Rather, it is a form of statistical adaptation based on data and feedback, which can be very effective, but does not imply inner growth.

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The Book Blog: 4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

Deuteronomy 32:

The Song of Moses:

Listen, O heavens, and I will speak;
let the earth hear the words on my lips.
May my teaching fall like the rain,
my speech descend like the dew,
like rain drops on the young green,
like showers falling on the grass.

For I shall praise the name of the Lord.
O give glory to this God of ours!
The Rock - his deeds are perfect,
and all his ways are just,
a faithful God, without deceit,
a God who is right and just.

Those whom he begot unblemished
have become crooked, false, perverse.
Is it thus you repay the Lord,
O senseless and foolish people?
Is he not your father who created you,
he who made you, on whom you depend?

Remember the days of old,
consider the years that are past;
ask you father and he will show you,
ask your elders and they will tell you.

When the Most High gave the nations their heritage
and disposed men according to his plan,
in fixing the boundaries of the nations
he thought first of Israel's sons.
For Israel was the Lord's possession,
Jacob the one he had chosen.

God found him in a wilderness,
in fearful, desolate wastes;
he surrounded him, he lifted him up,
he kept him as the apple of his eye.

Like an eagle that watches its nest,
that hovers over its young,
so he spread his wings; he took him,
placed him on his outstretched wings.
The Lord alone was his guide
and no other god was with him.

Dear Lord, thank you for life and all your love and care
01 02 03

Psalm 1: Happy the person who avoids evil and evil entertainment. Happy the person who reads and meditates on God's words. Such a person is like a tree planted beside a river, getting plenty of nourishment, bearing plenty of fruit. Such a person is on the Way of Life. People who do evil are on the Way of Death.
Dear Lord, please help me do good and avoid evil
Recording

Romans 4.1-25: Remember our ancestor Abraham. He put his faith in God, and this was how he became holy. We too must put our faith in God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead to make us holy
Jesus, please increase my faith. Help me believe like Abraham
Listen

Luke 24.50-53: Jesus then took his disciples out of Jerusalem to the village of Bethany. Lifting up his hands, he blessed them. As he blessed them, he was carried up to heaven. They worshipped him, then went back to Jerusalem full of joy. They were continually in the Temple praising God
Jesus, thank you for the Gospel of Luke. Please increase my faith in you as the One who came down from heaven, and went back to heaven
Listen

Reflection on the above Bible readings: May we have Abrahamic faith in the One who went back to Heaven!

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Good news yesterday when another Mainland bail case being helped by MercyHK had his money laundering charge dropped by the HK justice department ...and last night he went home to the Mainland after 7 months in HK

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe , Russia
Tues: South Asia
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent, N America
Jesus, today, Thursday, please bless the people of South East Asia

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 10th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Hubei

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 10th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Eritrea

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Thursday, please pacify Al-Qaeda

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Wed Sep 9

Yesterday I was at Lai Chi Kok men's prison from 10am to 5pm, sad to see an increasing number of men from the Mainland in detention for money laundering ....nearly all of them very simply guys, many of them from rural areas, so vulnerable for exploitation ... nearly all of them I believe are innocent... they did not know what was happening to their ID/bank info

US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza: ...and attack on Iran & Lebanon: Israel murders women and childen in Lebanon attack *** UK accuses Israeli settlers of ethnic cleansing in West Bank

Pope's AI letter

98. It is appropriate to preface this discussion with two considerations. First, any statement regarding AI risks becoming quickly outdated, given the remarkable pace at which these systems are developing. Second, all of us, including those who design them, possess only a limited understanding of their actual functioning. Indeed, current AI systems are more “cultivated” than “built,” for developers do not directly design every detail, but instead create a framework within which the intelligence “grows.” As a result, fundamental scientific aspects — such as the internal representations and computational processes of these systems — remain, at present, unknown. There thus emerges an urgent need for a twofold commitment: on the one hand, a deepening of scientific research; on the other, the exercise of moral and spiritual discernment.

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The Book Blog: 4 readings + recordings
Comments welcome here Readings are from Simple Bible

Deuteronomy 31: Moses said to the people: "I am 120 years old and can no longer come and go as I will. The Lord has told me I will not cross the Jordan." Moses then said to Joshua in the presence of all the people: "Be strong, stand firm. you are going with this people into the land promised by the Lord. The Lord himself will lead you; he will be with you; he will not fail you or desert you. Have no fear; do not be disheartened by anything."
Dear Lord, please help me remember that you are with me every day. Please don't let anything or anyone dishearten me
My recording of this reading

Psalms 149 &150: Sing a new song to the Lord. Let the praise of God be always on our lips. Praise God in his holy temple. Praise him in the heavens. O praise him with sound of trumpet. Praise him with lute and harp. Praise him with drums and dancing. Praise him with strings and pipes. Let everything that lives and breathes, give praise to the Lord our Creator. Alleluia!
Lord, to you we say every day "Allelu-ia" ("praise God")
Listen

Romans 3.20-24: Only by faith in Jesus can we really become holy in God's sight.
This faith is a free gift of God's grace to us. Only when Jesus is in our hearts, can our hearts become holy in God's sight
Jesus, please live in my heart! May you live in me, and I in you
Listen

Matthew 28.16-20: The 11 apostles went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him in worship. Jesus said to them "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to understand and live according to my words. And know that I am with you always, yes, to the end of time".
Jesus, "God-with-us", please help us live our lives according to your teaching .... and thank you, Matthew, for this beautiful Gospel Report
Listen

Reflection on the above readings: This is excellent: The Gospel of Matthew - what most people miss

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Australian govermemt vs social media companies

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E.Asia, Pacific
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent, N America
Jesus, today, Wednesday, please bless the people of East Asia

And praying for the people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 9th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Henan

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 9th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Mozambique

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Wednesday, please pacify Al-Shabaab

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Anti-drug campaign trips:

Europe:
Many reports of 2026 trip here (Jan 6 - Feb 7)

Africa:

2020: My trip to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg

Jan 1, 2020: How cocaine trafficking is impacting West Africa

2017: My trip to Southern Africa, Dubai ( The Last Run)

April 4, 2016: BBC video report (3 mins) about East African drug mules going to HK ...and my anti-drug campaign

2016: My trip to Kenya, Uganda

2015: My trip to Tanzania, Malawi

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Latin America:

2019-05-10: No More Mules Peru FB boost 199,000 views!

2019-01-20: Article in El Pais, Uruguay - 01 02

2018-09-18: No More Mules Facebook campaign - more than 300,000 people reached in Venezuela

2018: My trip to Latin America

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South East Asia:

Aug 16, 2020: CNN - Indonesian women recruited to take drugs to Hong Kong

Oct 23, 2019: FM988 Breakfast program in Kuala Lumpur at which I was a guest

June 2019: My campaign featured in The Malaysia Drug Trade (6 written reports & documentary video)

2019-03-25: Eleven HK01 video and photo reports about Malaysian drug mules arrested in HK- here (one of the reports is about my anti-drug campaign).

Dec 2018 - My Jan 2019 trip to Malaysia

2018: My trip to Thailand and Cambodia

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