**Empowered for Every Circumstance**

        We can learn from what Paul wrote in Philippians 4 from today's First Reading: "I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him [the Lord] who empowers me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress." The key here is learning to be self-sufficient. Once you have the Lord empowering you, you have the strength to adapt to all circumstances.  

*****The Plain Truth*****

        If you read the Bible, you will see that it is ultimately a story of good versus evil—or more accurately, humanity’s rebellion against God. This is precisely why Christ the Messiah came to us in person. We are called to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind; when we put ourselves ahead of him, we inevitably perish. Look at history’s once-mighty empires, dynasties, earthly kingdoms, and nations . . . where are they now? Today, evil has even infiltrated his holy Church. When Church leaders lack the courage to condemn the outrageous sins of the world, we are in deep trouble. A society may appear wealthy and affluent, but if it is morally corrupt, it will eventually collapse. God has warned us through numerous saints, Church-approved visionaries, and especially the Holy Mother, that a great chastisement is imminent if we do not return to him. There is still time to repent and change our ways, but it requires deep, persistent prayer. We must pray, believing that the fate of the entire world depends on us. Our earthly life is short. While we are still here, let us secure our eternity first, trusting God to take care of the rest.

***Cause for Joy**

        In today's First Reading from Philippians 3, Paul writes that for many, their minds are occupied with earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven. We are all citizens of various countries for the time being, but I feel so good that by belonging to Christ, I am already a citizen of heaven for all eternity!

***Greatest Suffering, Greatest Consolation*****

        Friday is again the day to pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. I realize that nothing we suffer in this life can possibly compare to what Christ went through in saving us from sin! And this becomes my greatest consolation. We owe the Lord eternal gratitude.

***The Choices That Define Eternity***

        Whatever we do in this life ends up either (1) storing up treasure in heaven, (2) not drawing us any closer to God and thus wasting our time, or (3) digging our own grave to be our permanent abode. While (1) and (2) or (2) and (3) can be somewhat mixed, (1) and (3) are entirely incompatible.

**Better Now than Later**

        In Matthew 10:28, Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." Experiencing due punishment in this life is far better than facing it after death. While some may escape justice now, they will face a much more severe judgment later. Ultimately, repenting of your wrongdoings is the right thing to do, for God is infinitely merciful.

**The Real Party Pooper**

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 15, Jesus tells the Pharisees and scribes, "There will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents." If that's the case, I have a name for anyone who chooses not to repent: a "party pooper." 

**Only Gain You Need**

        The caption for today's First Reading from Philippians 3 by Paul reads: "But whatever gains I had, I even consider as a loss, because of Christ" If you truly have Christ, everything else by comparison feels like a loss. If you don't feel that way, it means you haven't fully surrendered to him yet.

**Where to Find True Happiness**

        Our sinfulness means we will never find perfect happiness in this life. God designed us for eternal joy in heaven, not down here on earth. If you are wise, you will focus on securing your eternity first and avoid getting trapped by the passing pleasures of this world.

**A Great Tragedy**

        In the past half-century or so, advances in science and technology have accelerated dramatically. This progress has made us feel so self-important that we have forgotten all about God, the source of all our inventiveness and ingenuity. This is a great tragedy!

**Holiness Gets God's Attention**

        The holier you are, the more closely God listens to you.

**The Only True Judge**

        We should not judge anyone because only God sees our conscience and can judge us fairly. In the end, there will be final justice for all.

***God Truly Knows Us!***

        The Illumination of Conscience, also known as "The Warning" was foretold by Blessed Anna Taigi, St. Faustina, Fr. Gobbi, the visionary Conchita of Garabandal, and others. When that happens, time is said to momentarily stand still as every person on earth simultaneously sees their soul and sins through God's eyes. It will be like a mini-judgment—an act of divine mercy that offers a final chance to turn to God. This shows that God truly knows us, and should serve as a warning to us right now.

**All in God's Hands**

        Do you realize that the time you were born and the day you will die are completely in God's hands? If you were wise, you would surrender yourself to him completely, without reservation.

**Joy vs. Pleasure**

        Faithful Christians always experience joy in God, while nonbelievers seek pleasure in the world. 

***We Get the Leaders We Deserve***

        Watch this excellent talk by Fr. Chris Alar. May God bless him.

**Our Abiding Hope**

        Following the crucifixion of Jesus, his followers were lost and scattered. The Resurrection changed everything, and the Church was born. We must remember that no matter how dark the times may be, the Risen Lord remains our abiding hope.

***The Key to Total Freedom***

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 14, Jesus addressed the crowds, "If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (...) In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple." All of a sudden, I see that this is the key to total freedom!