From the Vatican: Interactive electronic version of the Catechism

I remember my Catechism classes vividly -- sitting through lectures, answering questions, and doing a lot of homework. These classes are handled by the Catechists (men and women who have been trained to give such teachings).

On the eve of 25th of September, 2013, the Vatican plans to release an app that would enhance access to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. For now, the only language available is Italian.

I am yet to see how different the app is from Laudate (an android app that teaches the Catholic faith), which is available in over 10 languages, has an offline Bible and some prayers and devotionals.

God, speak to me

I woke up with a start. The time -- 5:02am! I had been 'thinking' in my sleep. Recently, my mind has had a lot to deal with -- a full plate.
All I could say was, "God, please speak to me. Show me the way. I can't give up... ."
I shut my eye and fell asleep again. After a couple of hours, I woke up and started preparing for work.
Then. It. Happened.
I received a text message from my friend Francis. It was a Bible quotation!

Hebrews 10:35 - 36:

³⁵ Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
³⁶ For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.- New American Standard Version (1995)

It dawned on me. I've been impatient most of my life, and that had made me take
a lot of bad decisions. I've paid for -- and still continue -- to pay for my mistakes.
It's amazing how I expected God to talk to me in an 'extra-ordinary' way, and he chooses my friend. I'm sure missed a lot of His subtle convos as well.
Thank You, Abba. Do increase my faith, so I can be still and know that You are God.

Facing fear with faith

When innocence meets faith

I remember a childhood experience that always puts me in a pensive mood. I was eleven years old (I think).

I had been feeling a bit nauseous in the morning prior to a music rehearsal, and almost decided not to go for the rehearsal. I went all the same -- with my brother, Samuel.

After the rehearsal (which was held in our instructor's house), I felt really weak. The mother of our instructor felt my pain and did something that still overwhelms me. She brought a glass of water -- with the Holy Rosary in it, and asked me to drink it! It felt awkward. She calmly handed me the glass and asked that I have faith while drinking the water.

The innocent child in me trusted her -- and in the Immaculate Conception. I drank the water and felt the same, though the nauseousness had reduced.
I thanked her and left with my brother for our home.

Before we boarded a cab, I spewed. That was it. I felt relieved and even played with my friends when I got home.

How I miss that innocence!

He indeed keeps His covenant

All through Sunday school, I've trusted in God -- sometimes only in thought and words, but not with a full conviction within my heart.
All the same, this 'trust' has always saved me from situations, granted me some requests, and fulfilled some promises from God.
A couple of days ago, I was faced with a situation that almost threw me off my urge and left me in a dilemma.
Calmly, I spoke to God (the way I know how to) -- and he saved me.
He's kept His part of the bargain. l now have to keep mine.