The next morning, I had an emergency text from Singapore and required some emergency communication tools from Tom. Thank God I wasnt living in a hotel. How expensive would all those overseas calls etc cost. And my plans were so delayed, I was so worried. I ended up cursing an irresponsible family member in SG (for screwing up big time) in front of Tom. I bet that changed his impression of Asians being very collectivistic and family-oriented.
Nevertheless, it got settled for the moment and Tom dropped me off at Brugges. I was so behind time - wanting to visit mini-europe back in Brussels, and had to get to Paris in time to meet Mayuko - I could sense an imminent break down. But break down is the last thing I could afford to have. I walked into the Heilig-Bloedbasiliek, a church which supposedly possess a relic containing remnants of Jesus's blood. I thought I had to pay, but amazingly, I walked in uninterrupted. Moreoever, there wasnt so much people. (I had expected a horde of tourists, all obsessed with seeing Christ's blood) The church was rather hidden but had impressive, albeit superfluous interior.
At 11am, I participated in this ceremony where people would queue up to touch the relic of Jesus's blood. As the priests was praying, the atmosphere intensified and the "presence of God" can be felt. Some participants broke down in tears when they touched "Jesus's blood". Curious I anticipated my turn. As doubtful as I was, when I neared to blood relic, I could feel very strong presence I never experienced before. I touched it, and I could almost tear. I left, with both a sense of awe, bewilderment and confusion. "Was that really the only remnant of Jesus's blood?" As I walked towards the souvenier shop, a church lady chatted with me. She asked me how I learnt of the blood ceremony. I replied "Long story. There was some serious mix up with my return flight. I planned to visit this church in the morning but here I am, chancing upon the ceremony." She replied "Wow. Truly, this is God's will."
I felt, feeling less angry towards that family member, and with a sense that perhaps, God is in control and could use bad events for good.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for the good to them who love God.
Nevertheless, it got settled for the moment and Tom dropped me off at Brugges. I was so behind time - wanting to visit mini-europe back in Brussels, and had to get to Paris in time to meet Mayuko - I could sense an imminent break down. But break down is the last thing I could afford to have. I walked into the Heilig-Bloedbasiliek, a church which supposedly possess a relic containing remnants of Jesus's blood. I thought I had to pay, but amazingly, I walked in uninterrupted. Moreoever, there wasnt so much people. (I had expected a horde of tourists, all obsessed with seeing Christ's blood) The church was rather hidden but had impressive, albeit superfluous interior.
At 11am, I participated in this ceremony where people would queue up to touch the relic of Jesus's blood. As the priests was praying, the atmosphere intensified and the "presence of God" can be felt. Some participants broke down in tears when they touched "Jesus's blood". Curious I anticipated my turn. As doubtful as I was, when I neared to blood relic, I could feel very strong presence I never experienced before. I touched it, and I could almost tear. I left, with both a sense of awe, bewilderment and confusion. "Was that really the only remnant of Jesus's blood?" As I walked towards the souvenier shop, a church lady chatted with me. She asked me how I learnt of the blood ceremony. I replied "Long story. There was some serious mix up with my return flight. I planned to visit this church in the morning but here I am, chancing upon the ceremony." She replied "Wow. Truly, this is God's will."
I felt, feeling less angry towards that family member, and with a sense that perhaps, God is in control and could use bad events for good.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for the good to them who love God.
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