Twenty Sixth Sunday First Reading Introduction

First Reading Numbers 11:25-29 – 26 Sep 2009

Tonight, in the first reading, we revisit the actual journey of the Israelites, after the exodus…. from Sinai toward (Plains of Moab), the land of canaan.

What we can associate ourselves with from the journey of the Israelite is the repetition of the grumbling of the people (Discontent of the people) that had so characterized the period after the deliverance in Egypt and their arrival in the land of canaan.

Many of the chapters in Numbers repeat and duplicate the same grumblings & discontent recorded in the Exodus narratives.

First, the people complained about the lack of meat and are punished by Fire; but Moses intercedes and saves them.

Second, the prayer of Moses manifested his own grumbling to God. “Why do you treat your servant so badly? Why have I not found favour with you, so that you load on me the weight of all this nation?.... I am not able to carry this nation by myself alone; the weight is too much for me. If this is how you want to deal with me, I would rather you killed me!”…So, at this point, some of Moses’ authority is shared with the 70 elders.

Third, we will hear Joshua, Son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim…. Attempting to influence Moses to stop Eldad & Medad (whose names were chosen to be in the list of the 70 Elders) who were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp… yet the spirit came to rest on them.
We will hear Moses responding to Joshua” Are you jealous for my sake?”

As we revisit this event that occurred a few thousand years before us, we are reminded that we have not changed much from the Israelites of the period of deliverances from Egypt.
Firstly, we resemble the grumbling & discontented Israelites in the lack of meat… in our unfulfilled desires of our human nature.

Secondly, our own prayers are at times like the prayer of Moses expressing our own grumbling & complains…. often the manifestation of our ingratitude to Almighty God.

Thirdly, we sometimes behave like Joshua when we witness the spirit of God came to rest in the “Eldad & Medad” of our times….. manifesting our own jealousy.

As we listen to the reading, let us ask the Holy Spirit to rest in us and guide our path. Let us surrender ourselves totally to the Holy Spirit and let the Holy Spirit leads our lives.

Theme: Son of God

The Prophecy of Nathan – 2 Samuel 7:12-16 24 Sep 2009

The prophecy of Nathan without doubt point to Jesus Christ, the son of God. “I will make his kingdom firm. It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.”

But verses 13-15 can sometimes confuse us with Solomon;

1. Why is it that verse 13 was not indicating the temple built by Solomon; and that the son here not Solomon?

David indeed had proposed to build a house for God, which God did not permit. Yet, approving the piety of David's intention, God was pleased to reward it by promising that he would make a house for DAVID; which house, to be built by God, was certainly not material, but a spiritual house, or family, to be raised up for the honour of God, and the salvation of mankind. And this house, which God would make, was to be built by David's SEED; and this seed was to be raised up AFTER David has rest with his ancestors; which words clearly exclude Solomon, who was set up and placed upon the throne BEFORE David was dead.

This building promised by God, was to be erected by one of David's descendants, who was also to be an everlasting king; and indeed the house and the kingdom were both of them to be established forever. Now that this house or spiritual building was to be set up, together with a kingdom, by the Messiah, is clear from Zechariah; who very emphatically says, (Zech. vi. 12, 13,) Behold the man whose name is The Branch; HE SHALL BUILD THE TEMPLE of the Lord. Even HE SHALL BUILD THE TEMPLE of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his THRONE.

2. Could verse 14 be poorly translated? Because v14 supposes that this son might commit iniquity, which could not be the case for the Messiah.

Instead of “to commit iniquity”, Could it in the passive sense signify “to suffer for iniquity”.
I will be his father, and he shall be my son: EVEN IN HIS SUFFERING FOR INIQUITY, I shall chasten him with the rod of men, (with the rod due to men,) and with the stripes (due to) the children of ADAM.

He hath carried OUR SORROWS, (i.e., the sorrows due to us, and which we must otherwise have suffered,) he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. And thus (as it follows) thine house (O David) and thy kingdom shall, in Messiah, be established for ever before ME: (before GOD:) thy throne shall be established for ever. Thus the angel, delivering his message to the virgin mother, Luke 1. v32, 33, speaks as if he was quoting from this very prophecy: The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob FOR EVER: and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

The 13th Day official trailer

A Trip Downunder to Tarrawarra Abbey, Victoria

Brother Phillip, Richard & I arrived Melbourne just before midnight of Wednesday 2nd Sep 2009.


On Friday, 4 Sep 2009, we drove to Yarra Glen where Tarrawarra Abbey is located. It took us about a little over an hour to reach there from Vermont South.


We were greeted by Brother Bernard upon our arrival. Just in time to attend the 10:30am Mass. After the mass, Brother Samuel Chua received us in the Chapel & prepared for me 8 boxes of Communcal white Eucharistic Bread which Bishop Su had asked me to help bring back to Sibu. Praise the Lord, Mission accomplished!

Brother Samuel Chua came to the Abbey 8 years ago when he was just 26 years old. He was formerly from Malacca, Malaysia. What a surprise to meet a fellow 'Malaysian' from this spiritual place.

Tarrawarra Abbey is a quiet & peaceful place. A beautiful place for retreat & spending quiet time for prayers & contemplation. I was happy that my friend & brother, Phillip Ooi was able to attend the mass together with us there. I pray that one day he will receive blessings from our Almighty God to receive Jesus. Praise the Lord!

Brother Richard, Core Responsible of Neo Catechumenate Community of Sibu was with me to witness this joyful moment at Tarrawarra Abbey.

After Abbey visitation, we stopped at Yarra Glen town for our Brunch. We had Australian meat pies & cappucino from this place called "Yarra Glen Bakery".

After the Brunch, we stumbled upon a number of antique stores at Yarra Glen. I bought an antigue clock there.

On our way back to Vermont South, we stopped by Yarra Glen Winery and ventured into wine tasting.
















Overall, it was an enjoyable Friday. Praise the Lord!