Shadow of Death
The past weeks had seen terrible shadows of death and misery that its ramifications has yet to be ascertained. Now the President of the U.S. has issued a 'dead-or-alive' notice for Osama. In response to this, the Taliban declares holy war on the U.S. This cycle of violence doesn't get to end, does it? It seems to escalate to the point where there seems no point for forgiveness and rebuilding. Only revenge and retaliation...I can understand the feelings and distraught of the American people but will 'violent actions' or retaliation bring about any winners? More losers perhaps. In war nothing is holy or triumphant. Just more bloodshed and loss of lives, especially the innocent. The world will have to wait and see if this 'madness' can be somehow resolved without going to another 'world war'. I don't think any of us may survive and be victorious on this count.

Closer to home the presence of death takes another toll when our Ecclesiology professor, Rev. Fr Roderick Payne, died suddenly in a fall at a hospital. The Seminary and all those who know him and taught by him were shocked by this news. Our condolences go out to the Franciscan community (in Singapore) and to the late Fr Payne's family. He taught my class on the theology of the church and what it means to be a People of God. Well, now he knows very well whether his lessons were spot on or not. While we continue to struggle of being church, our classes is in limbo till a replacement is found. Not an easy task for the acting Dean of Studies. I don't envy him. There will be a requiem mass for Fr Roderick after the mid-term break for all students and staff of the Seminary.

Today begins the start of the Seminary's mid-term break till Monday 24th Sept. The short holiday will do us all some good! Time out for some recollecting and consolidating.

"Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me." Psalm 23 (Good News)