The story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), is one of the lectionary readings for tomorrow, Pentecost Sunday. It’s a very carefully constructed story. Care in construction is seen in the words used in the nine verses, and in the placement of the story in the book of Genesis. The story is placed after […]
Babel, the first construction project in the Bible Read More »
In early April, I went back to physical church for the first time in 25 months! It was a strange surreal experience, like travelling back in time. A contrast to those lockdown months of a hundred virtual encounters, of faces lined up in rectangular boxes, muted and unmuted, only to disappear after an hour or
Of Diarrhoea, Detours and Diversions! Read More »
This morning, I read that since March, in Kuala Terengganu and Besut, 15 traders have been fined a total of RM9,000 for over-pricing chickens. They had violated the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act, 2011. I read that after I read Psalm 97, included in the lectionary readings for tomorrow. Justice and righteousness feature in that
Chicken profiteers and the God of the cosmos Read More »
When we were young, we wanted to look for the right person for us, we wanted to find our soulmate (for those who believe there is one perfect person for us out there). We read books, asked friends, went on hunting sprees, in the hope of finding the one who will complement us, fill up
Parenting Perspectives 6: Love your spouse Read More »
Tomorrow’s lectionary reading includes the story of Lydia, the rich trader in purple dye, in the book of the Acts of the Holy Spirit. Why does the story appear where it does, and why does Luke tell it the way he does? First, a little recap of the passage, Luke 16:9-15. Paul, frustrated “by the
Luke’s tale about guidance and about two women Read More »
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars 2022! There followed a frenzy of viral photos, memes, opinions. Everybody gave their 2 cents worth. Finally, a 10-year Oscar ban was imposed on Will Smith. That slap got me thinking about Jesus’ teaching about slapping. In Matthew 5:38-39 (NIV) Jesus says: “You have heard that it
Slap, Will Smith and turning the other cheek. Read More »
Last month, our King, the DYMM Yang diPertuan Agung, invited former Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to a buka puasa (breaking of the fast) dinner at Istana Negara, the national palace. Najib is a convicted criminal. He hired one of the best criminal lawyers in Malaysia to mount his defence in the courts. Despite that,
Should the King pardon Najib? Read More »
What can you do with a handful of flour, a little oil and water without yeast or leavening agent? In 1 Kings 17:12 these were the 3 ingredients available to the widow of Zarephath for her to prepare her last meal for herself and her son before they starved to death. The Jews have this
Roti and the Widow from Zarephath Read More »
Psalm 23 is included in the lectionary readings for this Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Easter. This Psalm is often read or sung at funerals. I can’t remember when I last heard a sermon on Psalm 23. Such sermons are usually filled with idylls: gurgling streams, fresh breezes, kind words. It’s why we “go to
Psalm 23, Chocolate Jesus and Ismail Sabri Read More »
Jacob, one of the Patriarchs of the Bible. The antihero, the one who leaves us aghast because he tricked his own blind father, Isaac, and stole the blessing which belonged to his elder brother (Esau). “Serves him right!” (padan muka in Malay) when he in turn is tricked into marrying the wrong girl (Leah), on
Jacob – Wrestling with man and God Read More »
