"Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Unthinkable Without Christ

        I am thinking what I would be doing now had I not found Christ.  I'd definitely try to make more money, pursue my hobbies or looking for other ways to keep myself happy.  I would probably travel more, buy more expensive stuff... all part of enjoying the world as much as I can while I am alive.  In sum, I would be concentrating on things of this world while my health is still holding out.  I may look for some religion to believe in, but I don't believe that I would find anything so satisfactory and fulfilling as Christianity, now that I know what it's all about.  Would I be truly happy then?  Definitely not, now that I've tasted the sweetness of Christ.  There is no "good old days" for me. 

Christian Journey Sweet

        I am not a sentimental nor nostalgic person, but I do want to use the word "sweet" to describe the journey of following Christ.  If it weren't true, there probably wouldn't be any saints, martyrs, monasteries, convents, pilgrims, and much of a Church today. 

Correcting Old Habits

        I mentioned before that I used to love staying up late at night and getting up late the next morning.  Even though I never felt very good in the morning, no matter how many hours I slept the night before because of this habit, I was not able to change it until I started attending daily Mass.  Nowadays, I get up not long after 5 a.m. and go to bed around 10 p.m. and feel great all day.  
        Looking back, I see that the reason I had trouble going to bed early before was because I was not able to let things go.  Whatever I was doing late at night, I wanted to get it done or continue as much as I could, not willing to stop or give it up ~ this was definitely attachment to things of the world.  There is no such thing as finishing doing all the things of this life.  I was not putting doing God's will at the head of the list.  In fact, doing God's will should be the only thing on the list.  I am glad that hindsight is 20/20.

Praying to Please God

        Reading Julian of Norwich further, I see that it's God's will that we pray.  Prayer pleases God and unites the soul to him.  We couldn't please God more than by entreating him, earnestly, wisely, sincerely, to do the thing that is his will.     

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

How to Know Jesus

        If you do not accept Jesus as God and Savior yet for whatever reason, may I suggest that you read about him, talk to him (yes, talk because you probably don't want to pray to him yet), ask other good believers about their experiences, or read blogs like this one.  Once you find out how lovely and beautiful Jesus really is, you will fall in love with him if you're one of the lucky ones, and all fears and reservations will vanish and wonder why you hadn't done it sooner.  I am speaking the truth here.    

To Be Holy and Happy

        Today is the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul.  As I received the Holy Eucharist, I realized that this was what both saints received and has the power to transform all of us into saints.  After Communion, I was so grateful that out of love, the Lord had revealed himself to me.  When you receive something so beautiful, you no longer question, you no longer want to understand; you simply rejoice and be grateful.  God sure knows how to make people happy. 

Our Response to God's Love

        In view of God's great love for us, we don't need to struggle for it anymore.  All we need to do is be passive and let the Lord love us freely. 

Love Most Astounding

        Julian further revealed how the Lord loves us.  In another vision, Christ said to her, "It is a joy and a bliss and an endless delight to me that ever I suffered my Passion for you, for it I could suffer more, I would."  She added that Jesus has great joy in all the deeds which he has done for salvation, and that we are his bliss, his reward, his honour, and his crown.  We'll never be able to fathom the love he has for us!  You'll have to be made of stone or absolutely dead to not be moved by the Lord's great love for us.       

Sorrows, Sweet or Bitter

        I have started reading Julian of Norwich ~ Showings.  Julian was an anchoress living in England in the late 14th century.  She received 16 revelations of God's love in a series of experienced visions.  I posted "Sweet Sorrows" yesterday.  Let me share something I just read from one of Julian's revelations.  She said: "When Christ was in pain we were in pain, and all creatures able to suffer pain suffered with him.  And for those who do not know him, their pain was that all creation, sun and moon, ceased to serve men, and so they were all abandoned in sorrow at that time.  So those who loved him suffered pain for their love, and those who did not love him suffered pain because the comfort of all creation failed them." 
        All this really made sense to me because we who love Christ share the same sorrows with him and get consoled by him, whereas those who do not know or love the Lord feel sorrow when things don't turn out to serve them ~ it's a big difference.  Sorrow is sweet or bitter, depending upon whether you love Christ or not.     

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Union Through the Holy Eucharist

        When I receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist, I am making a pact with him to let him enter my life, occupying my whole being, so that we dwell in each other.  Physically, the bread and wine are totally absorbed by my body and they run through all my veins.  Yes, the Lord becomes part of me, literally making my body the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Sweet Sorrows

        There are many things going on in the world and among people I personally know or love that make me sorrowful.  Then I go to the Lord and share all my feelings and he turns all my sorrows sweet.  It happens because now we are feeling the exact, same sorrows.  When Jesus went through his passion, he knew he was doing the Father's will.  Even though his sufferings were horrific, the sorrows were sweet because he did all out of love.  Anyway, the Christian life is a sweet life.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Look Up to God Please

        I have talked about living the Christian life, that is, following Jesus, as an exciting ongoing journey.  Now I sense even more excitement as I see that up ahead along the way, I'll be discovering or finding more and more of God's beauty, magnificence, mercy, riches, and wonders ~ there's just no limit to the breadth, height, and depth of the Lord!  How I wish that all would turn away from their fascination of the things and affairs of this passing, mundane (and ultimately boring) world and look up to God for a moment to realize the exciting journey they could take that will lead them to eternal happiness! 

On Receiving the Holy Eucharist

        St. Paul made it clear that whatever we do, without love, means nothing.  And the Lord said that not everyone who calls to him, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God.  Likewise, one can go to Mass, participate in church activities... but has no personal relationship with Christ, then he is only nominally Christian, one who has not built his house on rock. 
        Yesterday was the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Anyone who does receive the Holy Eucharist must realize that in receiving it, the Lord becomes even closer than one's own flesh and Blood.  Here is the opportunity to establish this intimate relationship.  Receiving the Lord in vain is worse than not receiving him at all.              

Peace to Exclude Anxiety

        This morning I had the zeal to do God's work and felt some anxiety coming on, then the Lord made me see that he has his own timetable and wants me to always wait in peace and not be anxious about anything, including doing good works.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

How Am I Doing?

        I thought this would be a good question to ask the Lord anytime you are doing his will.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

It's the Lord!

        There is excitement and joy when you recognize that it's the Lord.  I am thinking about the time when the disciples recognized that the "ghost" walking upon water toward them was really the Lord.  Later they realized that the one standing on the shore directing them to cast their net to catch fish was the resurrected Lord.  And then the eyes of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus were opened at the breaking of the bread. 
        I also feel that any time you recognize that a thought, a word, a desire, an urge, or a voice is coming from or prompted by the Holy Spirit, get excited and be joyful that it is the Lord within you.     

Faith Needs Trust

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 8, the centurion asked Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant.  When the Lord was ready to go, the centurion declared that he's not worthy to receive him and only asked him to say the word and the servant would be healed.  The Lord was impressed by his faith and the request was granted.  
        My thoughts are that if we have faith, we shouldn't ever wonder or worry if the Lord is going to answer our prayer or not.  To persist and ask again is fine, but to lose peace afterwards, no.  Faith without trust is empty.

Nothing Is Mine Except the Lord

        I came into this world with nothing that's mine and shall leave it the same way I came.  Except that while here on earth, the Lord our God called and I responded.  Now, he is mine forever!  Soon I shall be going to him, the Father who awaits us all in paradise.  Will you be one to disappoint him?  I pray not.

Friday, June 24, 2011

To Each His Own

        The morning news reports that a small 2 x 3, 130-year-old photo of Billy the Kid will be auctioned off today and is expected to fetch at least a million dollars because many will want to own it.  The good news for me is that I don't need to spend a cent to possess the priceless almighty God who loves me.

How Best to Follow Christ

        (1) Follow at a steady pace, never rushing ahead nor lagging behind.
        (2) Do not turn your head to be distracted nor look back as you follow.
        (3) Do not look ahead, wondering what might happen ~ leave all up to God.
        (4) Follow faithfully with patience.

Features Unique to Christianity

        Christ made it clear that he is in the Father and the Father is in him; that is, he and the Father are one.  As disciples of Christ, he is also in us.  He fills us with himself each time we receive him in the Holy Eucharist, reaffirming our oneness.  We submit ourselves to the Lord and simply vanish in him.  These are absolutely unique features you do not find in any other belief systems. 

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Only One Person to Please

        Watched a clip of Pavarotti in Hyde Park on TV.  The singer was trying to please thousands in the park.  He was good, but I doubt that he would get 100% approval.  It got me thinking that I was luckier because I only needed to please one person, the Lord.  And one nod from him is worth more than a million out there applauding me. 

Ungodly Emotions Lead to Sin

        Emotions rise when people are angry, scared, worried, jealous, envious, impatient, possessive, greedy, unforgiving, hateful...  One can be totally eaten up by such emotions that are out of control, both physically and spiritually ~ ungodly emotions just lead to sin. 
        On the contrary, anyone who's in union with God basically feels just peace.  When you have joy or sorrow, you know that the Lord is feeling it at the same time.  In sorrow, the Lord consoles you and your sorrow turns sweet.        

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Be with God or Be Nothing

        During Communion time yesterday, I became acutely aware that I could not possibly survive without the Lord.  It's either being with him or becoming nothing.

Doing Work Through God

        God does work through us as we are his instruments.  In turn we do his work through him in the sense that we can do nothing on our own and need to rely upon his strength, guidance, and protection to accomplish the task.  In union with God, we never work alone. 

The Sad State of Man

        Over centuries man has made this world more comfortable and convenient, more entertaining and pleasurable.  Man has become materialistic and flesh-oriented, to the point that he no longer seeks God.  I see the newborns or very young children ~ they are all so pure and innocent.  Then I look at the adults, impure and sinful ~ how did they get that way?  
        Yesterday's Gospel reading gives an answer.  Jesus said to his disciples: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.  How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.  And those who find it are few."
        What must we do then?

Beauty of Following the Lord

        During the Mass at St. Andrew, I sensed the beauty of following the Lord.  As I journey with him, I discover more and more beauty along the way.   

Where God Resides

        Last Monday away from home, I attended morning Mass at a local church.  Jesus considered the temple of his days his Father's house.  As soon as I entered the chapel at St. Andrew, I felt that I had arrived home.  The song says "Any place I hang my hat is home."  For me, any place where God resides is home. 
        After Mass, I remained to pray for a few minutes.  Amidst all the noises and sounds ~ music rehearsal in the main church, people talking and chatting around the chapel, birds busily singing outside in the trees ~ I felt so good being aware that "the Lord is in me." 

Parents' Heavy Responsibility

        In the Gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke), Jesus warns that "whoever causes one of the little ones who believe in him to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone put around his neck and be thrown into the sea."  All parents must pay heed to this.  In general, we must never be the cause for anyone to fall away from God.  Parents in particular must always be good examples to their children.  According to the Lord, any parent who causes one of his/her children to sin commits a grave sin indeed.  

Father's Day Sorrow

        Last Sunday was the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity and also Father's Day.  The Entrance from one Psalm read: "God is the strength of his people.  In him, we his chosen live in safety.  Save us Lord, who share in your life, and give us your blessing; be our shepherd forever."  I felt great joy in reading these verses.  Yet I also felt great sorrow because so many sons celebrated Father's day with their earthly fathers and forgot all about the heavenly Father, most loving of all fathers.  For them, I offer up my sorrow to the heavenly Father. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Best Way to Influence Others

        I once studied abstract math and it's just not possible to explain the subject to nonmathematicians.  It's almost the same when it comes to communicating your personal spiritual feelings and experiences.  Try reading St. John of the Cross.  Anyway, the best way to influence others is by example and not by sharing what the Lord has given specifically for you in private. 

On Judging Others

        I am still trying to catch up after being away for almost five days.  While away, I attended Mass Friday, Sunday at one church and Monday at a different church.  Both churches are quite beautiful. 
        At yesterday's Mass, Jesus in Matthew 7 told us to stop judging.  Here are two logical sequences.   The more we look at God, the more we see our own faults and shortcomings, and the less we tend to criticize others.  It follows that the less we look at God, the less we notice our own faults and shortcomings (the wooden beams in our eye), and the more we become critical of others (about the splinters in their eye).  We sure have plenty of the second kind around.

Pleasing the Lord

        At the end of Mass just before I was about to get up and leave, a little girl entered the church with her mother and headed straight toward the altar.  She went behind the railing and knelt right in front of the tabernacle and prayed, her two little hands pressed perfectly together.  Outside as I walked toward my parked car, I saw a homeless woman, almost totally hidden behind her dark, hooded cloak, pushing a loaded cart.  As she passed the front of the church, she paused, turned, and genuflected reverently.  These two both pleased the Lord that morning.

Called to Enjoy the Lord

        During Liturgy of the Eucharist at last Friday's Mass, I became acutely aware that the priest was exactly following the instructions of Christ during consecration of the bread and wine.
        When I was about to receive the Eucharist, I knew that the Lord was already in me and I was going to receive him just for the sheer joy of union.  Yes, we are called to enjoy the Lord.

Door to Freedom

        The door to freedom is surrender to God.  Out of pure love, God wants to capture us.  So when we surrender, we perfectly fulfill his will.  And when we perfectly fulfill his will, we become free!          

The Same Love

        God loves us with his pure, holy love.  And because of it, we love him back and others.  It is the same love that originated with God and gets spread around and passed on by his people.  It is this love that makes us become detached to the world.  

Shedding Unwholesome Relationships

        The healthiest wholesome relationship only exists between God and us.  It is based upon agape, the unconditional, unselfish love Jesus has demonstrated by his life and death.  This is the standard by which all other relationships are to be judged.  Too many people are emotionally involved with others (even with their pets or other inanimate objects) in unwholesome ways.  Such unhealthy, improper relationships must be shed if you ever wish to grow holier. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

An Announcement & Message

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 6, the Lord gave some great teaching.  It's about doing good in secret.  "When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing..." pretty much sums it up.  Basically, we are to please God alone and seek his acceptance and approval only.  Humility comes into play again.  The bottom line is that we need to be humble always.
        Due to an important family event scheduled for the weekend, I'll be away for the next four days.  Since blogging depends upon computer accessibility and the Holy Spirit, I do not know when I'll post next.  I know that this blog is not for everyone.  If you are a kindred spirit, you would enjoy reading it.  A nonbeliever may or may not be interested in reading all this spiritual stuff, depending upon where he/she is at on his/her spiritual journey.  If you think that reading these posts would benefit someone spiritually, I hope that you will forward them for the glory of God.  I shall remember you all in my prayers.  God is always present and forever loving us.       

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Jesus Heals the Soul

        A thought after Holy Communion.  Many doctors can heal the body, but only Jesus heals the soul. 

Inseparability from the Lord

        The word "inseparable" is extra beautiful when you and Jesus become inseparable.  Today's Communion verse from Psalm 27 partially echoes that sentiment: "One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life."  When you receive the Lord in Holy Communion, that inseparability is sealed one more time. 

Addressing Jesus

        Suppose you see Jesus today ~ how would you address him?  
        I love the response of Thomas when he finally saw the resurrected Jesus: "My Lord and my God."  Then Peter said to the Lord: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."  I am also deeply moved when I hear the refrain sung in the song You Are My God: "For you are my God.  You alone are my joy; defend me, O Lord."  The melody is beautiful as well.  It just got into my mind this morning that should I see Jesus, I would say to him: "You are the Word of Life." 

Spiritual Progress Measured

        I mentioned once that when I first read the spiritual classic The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis many years ago, I felt uncomfortable because I was still my own man, with not much humility in me.  Now I want to be like Jesus.  I read the book again and loved it ~ a clear sign that I have grown and progressed spiritually.  The Lord has mercifully and graciously nurtured me in all these intervening years.  Cause for rejoicing.

We Need Jesus

        Saw part of "Wild Balkans" on PBS TV.  The sceneries with mountains, lakes, rivers, and colorful trees are just beautiful.  In the vast landscape, I could picture that any one of us in it, if visible, would just appear as a tiny dot, and sensed that this vulnerable creature definitely needed someone greater to rely upon for safety and protection.  And we have Jesus upon whom we can absolutely rely.  More than that, he also shows us the way to eternal happiness, make life full of meaning.     

Monday, June 13, 2011

Looking at Others

        If someone you know irks or bugs you, think of some of the good things or qualities about him/her (if you can't find any, you probably annoy other people too).  Most of all, remember that you are looking at a specimen that's created in the image of God and whom Jesus deeply loves.  

Run Around with Jesus Alone

        There is truth in sayings such as "We are what we think" and "We are what we eat."  It's also true that we are whom we keep company or run around with.  Just look at how kids turn out the way their parents behave.  In general, friends are a big influence upon us.  So, let's keep company or run around with Jesus alone so that we'll be like him.  Our reward will be that we become truthful to ourselves, enjoying interior peace and freedom.  

Holy Eucharist, Awesome Gift

        Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday, a day to begin a new spiritual life.  I asked the Holy Spirit to renew me once more, this time catching whatever needed to be renewed.  
        Today after I received Holy Communion at Mass, it was clear to me that if the consecrated bread and wine are truly the body and blood of Christ in substance, then without a question he must be divine.  This was an intuitive understanding.  On top of this, I was also receiving the soul and divinity of Christ as well, since they cannot be separated from his body and blood.  It's just awesome, awesome, awesome!         

Saturday, June 11, 2011

What Total Giving Deserves

        Caught part of Scott Hahn's talk on Our Father's Plan on EWTN.  Again, I was reminded of the total giving from Jesus.  He offered himself on the cross for our salvation and gave us the Holy Eucharist, his true Body and Blood, for our sustenance.  This total giving deserves nothing short of total acceptance.  It calls for total union with God.  

The Christian Walk

        Today's Gospel reading comes from John 21.  When Peter asked Jesus what's going to happen to John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, Jesus essentially told Peter to mind his own business and follow him.  Indeed, our business is to just follow Jesus only and not get curious about others' businesses.  Not even concerns about ourselves!  Just follow the Lord single-mindedly and we'll always be heading in the right direction.  The opposite way is to wander off on our own and risk getting lost totally. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

How to Make What You Do Beautiful

        No matter what you do, if you  do it for the glory of God with love, the act becomes beautiful.  That's why everything Jesus did on earth was beautiful.  Heaven is beautiful because all who are up there glorify God, doing his will.

Ideal Match-up

        I was thinking about relationship this morning.  We all like to have friends who unconditionally love us, always understand and support us, and are most patient with us.  The only one that fits the bill is the Lord our God.  On the other hand, having made us to understand his love, God needs us to love him and spread his love around the world.  Thus, we have an ideal match-up here.  Let's work to establish this close relationship in this life, the only chance we've got.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Praying More Personally

        The Lord dwells within us.  I just feel so much more personal when I pray to the Father or Jesus or the Holy Spirit right within me.  (I don't even have to step outside.)

Joy Awaits Us

        The "J" in the name Jesus stands for "Joy" for me.  Jesus awaits me in heaven, and that's the same as "Joy awaits me."  There are sufferings to bear or go through in this life.  I had my share of sicknesses, injuries, and accidents; but when everything is well again, you forget the past.  In heaven, God will wipe away all our tears, so all trials and tribulations of this life will be forgotten completely.  Start rejoicing now.  Get emotional ~ that's OK with God.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Plain Truth About Money

        As long as money is more important to you than God, you are not free.

Most Satisfying Career

        There is no career more satisfying than following Jesus like the Apostles.

Describing God

        During Mass today, I just felt that God is a pearl, a great treasure, priceless and most precious ~ somehow it doesn't sound quite right.  That's because there are just no adequate words around to describe how "terrific" God is.  "Terrific," another inadequate word. 

Eucharistic Feast

        Feelings at Eucharistic time:  What a feast!  What a heavenly banquet!  Such intimacy!  Such love!

Feeling Safe and Secure

        In this morning's Gospel reading from John, Jesus actually prayed to the Father that his disciples might be one as he and the Father are one.  Jesus actually protected and guarded them so that none were lost.  And he wanted them to share his joy completely.  He asked the Father to keep them from the Evil One, consecrated them, and even consecrated himself for them.  As one of his disciples, I just feel absolutely safe in his protection and secure under his watch.     

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

How to Do God's Will

        Live as if God alone exists. 

Total Immersion in God

        Don't just test the water with your fingertip or dip only your hand in it.  If that water is the Lord our God, jump all the way in and let it cleanse, soothe, and heal you.    

Surrender Unceasingly

        This morning during prayer before Mass, the sacrament of holy orders came into my mind.  I could picture those ready to be ordained lying prostrate on the ground in total submission.  And I thought that it would be nice to submit ourselves like that before we think each thought, say each word, and perform each deed.  This would be a great way to practice surrendering to God.  Like praying unceasingly, we also surrender unceasingly. 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Reason to Believe in Jesus

        From John 16, today's Gospel reading, we learn that the disciples, having seen the many wonders Jesus had performed, heard his many discourses, and discovered that Jesus knew everything, finally came to believe that he came from God.  I have not met Jesus in person, but this testimony from the disciples is plenty good enough for me to believe likewise.  

God Is Awesome

        This morning as I kneeled and prayed facing the altar before Mass began, I trembled because I sense the awesomeness of God.  This is the God whose magnificence, beauty, generosity, and mercy are beyond our comprehension.  I was overwhelmed, yet there was no fear as his love came right through.  With such an awesome Father, we can surely become awesome as children too. 

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Love to Reign in the Heart

        At Communion time this morning at Mass, I desired Love to reign completely in my heart, dispelling all of me.  Jesus heard me and gave me great peace.

Trust, not Question

        The word for me today is "trust."  I have been praying faithfully for a number of people to come back to the Church or to accept Christ as savior.  So far I have not yet seen any clear changes of the heart.  I looked to the Lord and he let me see that my role is to trust and not question.  Most of those I pray for are of younger ages than I, so it's possible that I may not even see their return or conversion in my lifetime.  That's OK.  I am to keep on trusting in God's mercy always.  

Friday, June 3, 2011

To Be Joy or Sorrow to God

        In my last posting, I pointed out that the Lord is our joy.  Then because of his great love for us, we can be his joy too.  We learn from the parable of the prodigal son how his return brought such great joy to the father. Jesus also told us that there would be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.  If we can affect God this much, then naturally, we can easily bring him great sorrow too by sinning against him.  Such is the "power" we have over God ~ we can touch, move, or break the heart of God.  The choice is ours.

Jesus Is Our Joy

        Entrance verse at today's Mass from Matthew 25.34: "Come, you whom my Father has blessed.  Inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world."  Hearing this brings great joy to the heart!  In today's Gospel reading from John 16, Jesus said to his disciples: "Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."  The Lord wants us to be happy.  How can we not rejoice when we realize that he loves us so much and that he always wants the best for us (what can be better than eternal life in heaven?)  Any time we think about the Lord, ponder upon his mercy, pray to him, or receive him in the Holy Eucharist, we should be like the infant John the Baptist in the womb of his mother Elizabeth leaping for joy at the approach of Mary with Jesus in her womb.  Yes, Jesus is our Joy!    

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Jesus Is the Savior

        At Mass this morning, I felt that "Jesus is the only one I need to attach to.  Everything else in the world I can let go.  He's more than sufficient for me.  With him, my life is fulfilled." 
        On the way home over the radio, I heard more bad news as usual.  One story told how a government contractor hired Fiji women by telling them that they're going to Dubai to earn high wages, but in reality shipped them to Iraq to provide service for the military.  Over there they were abused, mistreated, and prevented from leaving.  The story that followed was about how many veterans that have come home are still suffering terribly from their war traumas.  Surely whoever started the war(s) must bear the most responsibility.  What saddened me are the greed, the utter disregard of human dignity and human life, and the lack of compassion for others.  Jesus is still being crucified.  But he is our savior!  People may not love him yet, but how foolish it is to not even worry about eternal damnation! 
        I want to shout to the whole world that we have a savior, who is our only bright hope in the dark world and who's all we need for eternal life.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Jesus to Be Taken Seriously

        I have just finished reading Chapter 6 of the Gospel of St. John and received these thoughts.  With Jesus, you must take him seriously.  You should examine and weigh his sayings and check him out thoroughly.  If you don't, it'd be very easy to walk away from him and go back to your former way of life.  Of course, if he's just an ordinary man, then no harm will come to you.  But what if he's really God?  That's why you must take him seriously before walking away.

Love, a Two-Way Thing

        Between God and us, mercy, justice, forgiveness... flow from God to us only and never in the reverse direction; while faith, hope, obedience, praise, adoration... emanate from us toward God, not the other way around.  Then there is one two-way thing between God and us: love.