***Best State on Earth***

        Today's Responsorial Psalm comes from Isaiah 12. I love the verse describing the Lord as the fountain of salvation with us drawing living water from it. That water is inexhaustible, and you may draw to your heart's content. It cleanses and refreshes your soul, keeping you fit for entering heaven. There is no better state to be in on earth.

****The Lord Beyond Our Expectations****

        In today's First Reading from Ephesians 3, Paul speaks of the inscrutable riches of Christ. Indeed, everything about the Lord is unfathomable for us—his holiness, his mercy, his magnanimity, his wisdom, his power, his grandeur, his beauty, his radiance . . . they are all greater than we can possibly imagine. Such a God is awaiting us, ready to take us back to his bosom! How can we not get excited?

*****Truth We Can't Afford to Miss*****

        Jesus, the Son of God, came down from heaven to bring us the good news of salvation in person, so that we might believe in him and have eternal life. Though this is no longer new to the world, many still choose to ignore him. This is one promise we can't afford to miss, as the stakes are incredibly high. I am sharing a truth I know without a doubt, because it originates from the Lord.

***Greatest Injustice***

        There is no perfect justice in this imperfect world, where a lot of people are treated unjustly. Then I thought of Christ, who loved us and died for us—we can never give him the love he deserves. On the contrary, many continue to "crucify him" in various ways, or even join forces with Satan to usurp the Lord. This has to be the greatest injustice existing in the world today! May God have mercy on us.

**The Faint-Hearted, Beware!**

        In today's Gospel Acclamation, based on Luke 21:36, Jesus admonishes, "Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man." We need to heed this warning because we will stand before him one day to give an account for everything we've done—and it won't be for the faint of heart. The way to build up that strength is to surrender to him completely now.

***Through Christ, God has Changed Things***

        The main thing we need to know is that despite our being sinners, we can now go straight to heaven. The Lord has turned things completely around, and this must be our happiest turnaround!

***Cathoicism's Unique Feature***

        This is what sets Catholicism apart from all other religions. It seems that in all other religions, you follow what you're taught by the leaders. As a Catholic—besides learning from the Church—I am able to experience God and learn from him directly! A profoundly personal and intimate union with the Lord God is attained through Holy Communion; this is its truly unique feature.

**Do Only What Matters to God**

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 12, Jesus also told the Parable of the Rich Fool. The man was a fool because he stored up treasure for himself instead of being rich in what mattered to God. We must always do what matters to God to please him. This comes down to obeying the Lord exclusively, giving us a great purpose in life.

**Jesus' Role Misunderstood**

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 12, someone in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me." He replied, "Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?" Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions." The man asking the question had no idea who Jesus truly was. Jesus is the Lord who saves us from sin and grants eternal life; he did not come to fulfill our greed or other selfish desires. He is absolutely right; life does not consist of possessions.

*****JESUS IS REAL & HIS GLORY INEFFABLE*****

       Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel has always shown great love and devotion for Jesus. If you search for Bishop Mar Mari, you'll find quite a few videos on this blog. In this recent interview, he shares his experience of seeing Jesus and receiving two messages from him. In the second message, the Lord asks him to tell people not to look for the place, but the owner of the place. I wanted to point this out because the word "owner" wasn't entirely clear. You'll find the full meaning of the two messages explained in the video.

**True Generous Giving*

        Shall we invite this person to our party? Should we send a gift to this friend? That usually depends on how good the relationship is or how generous that person has been to us in the past. This is fair, but a true Christian does not consider being generous to be a sort of repayment; he simply enjoys giving. The reward of heaven alone is good enough. If that cannot satisfy you, then nothing will. If we don't expect to be repaid on earth, we will have a much happier world.

**Full-Time Catholics**

        Catholics are obligated to attend Sunday Mass, which usually lasts about an hour. A genuine Catholic worships the Lord full-time, not just during that one Sunday hour. In fact, we should see attending Mass to receive the Lord as the most special hour of the 168 hours that make up the week. A part-time Catholic is a Catholic in name only.

***Repaying God***

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 22, Jesus said to the disciples of the Pharisees, "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." This got me thinking that we really should not owe anybody anything. Since God created us, we ultimately belong to him. Therefore, we should repay him by giving ourselves to him completely. This is our calling, after all.

***More Terrifying than a Nightmare**

        Last night, I had another nightmare. I don't remember what it was about, but I distinctly remember that the Lord let me know afterward that the terror I experienced was nothing compared to what a soul experiences in hell. While I know I am going to be with the Lord, it was still good to be made aware of this truth so that I may share it with the world.

***No-Growth vs. Fired-Up***

        A static Christian is a no-growth Christian, bearing little fruit, and living a dull life, whereas a dynamic Christian is a fired-up Christian, walking close to the Lord, growing holier daily toward union with God, and leading an exciting, exuberant life. Looking at your own walk, which do you prefer to be?

***Warning from the Lord***

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 12, Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God." These definitive statements are issued so clearly that we feel compelled to pay attention or suffer the consequences. This can only be from the Lord. Our free will is being tested again. Heaven does exist, but it's not free to enter for sinners who haven't acknowledged Christ.

***Something Beautiful Here***

        Here is how an illuminated Christian lives his life. He views all things as gifts from God, so he accepts them happily and without exception—no matter how many turn into burdens or lead to unpleasant situations. Relying on the love of God to overcome every obstacle, he demonstrates trust and obedience at their finest. There is something really beautiful here—he's ready to live in heaven.

***Our Most Precious Possession***

        Jesus also said in today's Gospel reading from Luke 12: "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one." This warning is unmistakable and right on. The critical question is: Do we take it seriously and act upon it? The soul is our most precious possession. God wants to save it with all his heart. If we don't even care to preserve it, aren't we being mindless and heartless?