Sacrament Most Holy

        At Mass today again, as I received the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, I experience the greatest possible intimacy with Jesus ~ a "union" not possible with another human being nor by any other means. It is the perfect fusion between God and man on earth. No wonder the Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament Most Holy.

Media Bias Against Church

        The liberal media in this country are very much biased against the Catholic Church. It's nothing new that the good guys always get picked on. The media cover up the truths by not telling them, but Jesus assured us that even the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against his church (Matthew 16:18). Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Reading 1 from Romans 12, we heard read: "Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them." Indeed, what's going on will only strengthen the Church, for to suffer and fight for Christ's sake is both a joy and a blessing. Let's pray for the media just as hard as we pray for the Church.

       (If you have the film For Greater Glory currently showing in a nearby theater, go see it. It's the account of Mexico's fight for religious liberty against government persecution.)     

How Should I Pray?

        I suffered a shoulder injury (bothersome, but not painful). I've been praying for healing. But after several months, I still could feel it. So what should I do? 

        (1) I know that nothing is impossible with God. If I do stop praying, it has to be because I want to let God decide whether he wants to heal me or not.
        (2) In Scripture, Jesus also said that our persistence can weary the Lord to the point that he would just give in and let us have our way. In other words, he encouraged us to pray.  

          (3) I've decided to continue praying for recovery; but regardless of what happens, I am going to remain peaceful. Praying is talking to the Lord ~ always good for the soul. So it's going to be persistent praying without anxiety. 

How to Love

        Just one simple lesson: Let God love you first and always.

Two Contrasting Existences

        When we are born into this world, it's as if we are dropped into a jungle. The lost souls are the ones who have no idea why they are here. They see only the trees and not the forest of which the trees are a part. They are attracted by the beauties they find in the forest and don't think much about getting out of the forest because they don't know how.

        On the other hand, the ones who know Jesus well have all the answers to their existence. They see the entire picture, the whole forest and what's beyond. They are not lured by the local attractions after knowing where they are heading. That's why they live joyfully with peace in their hearts ~ they have been found by God.

Do You Deny Jesus?

        Peter denied knowing Jesus three times and the Lord asked him later "Do you love me?" three times. Anytime we are ashamed of letting others know that we follow Jesus, we are guilty of denying him too. In fact, committing any sin against God is to deny that Jesus is our Lord. If he asks you the same question he asked Peter, how are you going to answer him?  

Believing in God the Right Way

        If Jesus is truly the Son of God and our Savior, then we must believe in him wholeheartedly, asking no questions, making no more analyses of him, no more lofty discussions about him, and believing with our hearts instead of with our minds. In other words, we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). I believe in this way and everything turns out most beautifully. This is my simple testimony.  

A Joyful Sinner

        As I received the Lord this morning in the Holy Eucharist, I trembled because I was a most wretched sinner before him, and I felt an even greater need for his mercy. This urges me to surrender to him even more to seek a perfect union. Joy at last!

Body and Soul Distinct

        We must realize that the soul and the body are two distinct entities. While being united on earth, they often affect the other. For example, an unhappy soul can impair the health of the body and conversely, a body of ill health can dampen one's spirits and causes him to neglect the soul. To be aware that they are distinct from each other helps us to keep them healthy separately so that the condition of one may not impede the progress of the other. We do our best to take care of the temporary body while it lasts and we make sure that the imperishable soul progresses smoothly in its own journey.  

Rich in Jesus

        2 Corinthians 8.9, today's Gospel Acclamation at Mass: "Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich." I could have quoted this in my first post today. This is what makes the Lord so lovable ~ his complete lack of self-glory. He even became one of us. I am rich for having such a beautiful friend. Thank you again, Jesus.

Most Important to God and Us

        Do you know what is most important to both God and us? 

        Answer: !sluos ruo fo noitavlas ehT    

Why I Love God

        On my way to Mass this morning, I saw that I love my God for the unique combination of his mighty power and perfect humility. The mighty power makes me want to worship him and the total absence of pride makes me love him. I can never have any of his power, but I can imitate his humility ~ this makes it possible for me to achieve union with him. Thank you, Jesus. 

Elated by Love

        During Communion time, I realized that I was not just loved by God ~ I was loved by him with the greatest possible love! I was elated! 

The Holy Spirit Liberates Us

        The Holy Spirit draws and conquers through sheer love. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to experience the greatest liberation! If my walk through life had felt heavy once, you could say that the Holy Spirit has made me relatively weightless now. Pentecost time is the time to submit ourselves further to the Holy Spirit for even greater liberation.

The Holy Spirit Restores Us

        Today is glorious Pentecost Sunday. The same Holy Spirit whom the disciples received from Jesus when he breathed on them at Pentecost dwells in us who follow the Lord today. The Spirit renews us, but I see it also as a restoration. Man first fell from God's grace, then Jesus came to redeem us, clearing the way for our return to God. The Holy Spirit then makes us holy, restoring us to a status fit for us to enter heaven. 

No Minding Others

        I went to morning Mass and saw the cars of those who had already arrived in the parking lot. By now, I pretty much know the owners by their car. No soon had the images of some of the owners floated into my mind than minor facts associated with them surfaced too. For example, one person appeared overweight; another didn't seem to be too friendly, etc. Then I realized that basically, I mind these things, even if slightly, and the danger is that all these opinions and feelings can bring me closer to judging people. 

        At Mass, the Gospel confirmed my thoughts. The reading came from John 21. After Jesus signified to Peter the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God, Peter asked Jesus what would happen to John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Jesus answered, "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me." Indeed, our job is to follow the Lord and let all our thoughts, words, and deeds flow from that. Certainly, minding the trivial facts about others should not be of our concern. When we see someone, we see only the Lord in that person ~ here is a great aid to preserving inner peace.

Love Most Powerful

        Today is the Memorial of St. Philip Neri. The Entrance verse at Mass, Romans 5.5, reads: "The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us, alleluia." I say amen to that and rejoice in it. Words can not express the joy of having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and how good it feels to have the love of God pouring into our hearts! Of course, I am seeing things as an insider, who has already believed. All I can say is that if you are still on the outside or not quite in yet, you'll totally understand my feelings once you cross over. Everything the love of God touches turns joyful. 

Love's Demand

        Today's Gospel from John 21: Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him and Peter answered the Lord each time that he loved him. Upon hearing each answer, the Lord asked Peter to do something ~ the requests were "Feed my lambs," "Tend my sheep," and "Feed my sheep" in that order. It just makes me think that if we genuinely love Jesus, we must continuously do something for him to show that we love him. The proof of love is in the doing of the deed.  

Praying to God Within

        Before morning Mass started today, I prayed and felt that the Lord was sitting on a throne in my heart, so I prayed to him within. I loved it because I felt that we shared the same conscience and I did pray his will. 

Man's Secular Enjoyment

        Today's early morning wasn't so clear as yesterday, but the sky with clouds in various hues still looked beautiful ~ indeed, God has given us much natural beauty for enjoyment. Now, man has concocted its own potion for enjoyment. Unfortunately, much of it does not inspire; the creations are here only to provide material comfort and fun or entertainment on the secular level. I can't help feeling sorry that any baby born into this world will have to fight an uphill spiritual battle all the way.  

Death Made Perfectly Clear

        There is an award-winning documentary examining death and how anxiety about dying drives human behavior out there. I am so happy that Jesus has shown us that there is eternal life, that death is no longer an unknown, and that death has no power over us who follow Jesus. If I have any anxiety about dying, it's my anxiety to meet the Lord. 

Knowing You're Loved

        I am loved by God. I am also loved by all the angles and saints in heaven. On earth I am loved by every single brother and sister truly in Christ. I wouldn't be surprised that the total number exceeds one hundred million. In reality, every person is loved by God. It's knowing Christ that has made me aware that I am loved by God and all the others. 

God's Chosen Gift

        In today's Gospel reading from John 17 at morning Mass, Jesus prayed earnestly to the Father that all believers may be one in him and the Father. He made it clear that we believers are the Father's gift to him. Regarding us as a gift to him, Jesus must be so pleased with and appreciative of us. Knowing that we have been chosen by the Father to be worthy as a gift to the Son, we should be pleased with ourselves and appreciative of the Father's love for us. It's love and appreciation all around.        

Road to God Is Clear

        The early morning sky was beautifully clear with not a cloud in sight. And the Lord made me see that the road to him for us is also clear without his placing any obstacle in the way. He is eagerly waiting for us at his end. If we accept and believe in Christ, we are saved, for he said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The only thing that prevents us from reaching God is our own unwillingness to get going.     

Jesus Our Intercessor

        In today's Gospel reading at Mass from John 17, we learn that Jesus interceded for all those whom the Father had given him. He prayed that they might be one, protected and guarded them so that no one was lost. I just feel good that I am totally secure under his wing and am grateful that he cares for us so much. He makes my day every day. 

Thoughts Affecting Inner Peace

        Since God knows all our thoughts and he is the source of our peace, any impure, sinful, or inappropriate thought we have directly affects our inner peace ~ we are just made that way. When our thoughts are all pure, we are at peace, and we and God are one. At the other extreme, there are those who do not hear the gospel  or do not want to know Christ ~ they have succumbed to the world and their thoughts can't be further away from God. Happy and blessed are those who are pure in their thoughts and have peace in their hearts.

Transforming Power

        At Mass today, when the priest was consecrating of the bread and the wine in the Eucharist, I saw that the changing of the elements of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is indeed a miracle and that through receiving the Holy Eucharist, we receive power to transform ourselves. This awareness gave me tremendous support. 

State of the Union

        Here "Union" refers to union with God. In that state, God fills all of us and we become so happy and content that we no longer seek anything else for ourselves. God is all one needs.

Holy Spirit, Abode of Peace

        With Pentecost coming up next Sunday, my thoughts turn to the Holy Spirit. The Father wants us to stop all inner struggling on our own and rest in the Holy Spirit so that we may enjoy perfect peace. Let's fulfill Jesus' wish for us to have peace. 

On Wishful Thinking

        Wishful thinking is basically ego-prompted ~ you imagine things turning out well to feed your ego. One the other hand, when you imagine things going bad, you start to worry because you realize that things may go against your wish. In any case, one free of ego does not imagine things in one way or another. The entire focus is on following the Lord single-mindedly. Jesus is our perfect example. When he was on earth, he did not imagine nor worry about things ~ he was the most realistic person. Wishful thinking indicates the presence of ego and the lack of inner peace.  

God's Gentle Love

        At today's Mass, Reading 1 from Acts 20 tells us that Paul laid his hands on twelve men in Ephesus and they received the Holy Spirit. We who have been baptized in Christ already have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The Holy Spirit has mighty power, yet he is most gentle. To receive power from him, we must first surrender ourselves to him and pray sincerely. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is surrendering to God. The fear or uneasiness people feel in surrendering to God all comes from within, for the Holy Spirit could not have given it to them. Knowing how gentle the Holy Spirit is should put our mind at ease when we surrender to God.

Union Most Intimate

        Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. During Communion, I felt the sweet intimacy of union with the Lord. The closest possible union between two human beings is for them to be soul mates with both in union with the Lord, but another human being can never touch or penetrate my inner soul as God can. Union with God with the aid of the Holy Eucharist is to become God's soul mate and unite with him at the most fundamental level, returning to our creator who loves us.

What God Knows

        There are so many scandals out there being revealed in the public media. Those who got caught are in trouble with the law now. But, of course, even if they were not caught, they're in trouble with God already. Some people think that if they can hire a good lawyer to beat the court, then they are home free ~ they forget that being free is not being free of guilt, for only God removes sins. What we think or what the court thinks is not that important compared to what God knows! 

What's Your Joy?

        Yesterday I did not have the chance to do any posting because I was away in another city, attending a university commencement for a relative's graduation. Most of the over 4,000 graduates were jubilant. Families and friends carrying flowers and balloons were everywhere. After the ceremony, there was the posing for pictures around campus. Dinners, banquets, and parties had been planned for the rest of the day. It was a big day for the graduates and the joy was palpable. But then I saw that this joy stemming from a temporary relief would be short-lived. I didn't believe that many of the graduates would be able to find a good job today as this relative of mine hadn't yet. Joy is similar to faith in this way ~ it is long-lasting only if it's deeply grounded in something solid and firm. The joy of God is in that category.       

Joyful Boast

        I have called upon the name of Jesus thousands of times. Yesterday it dawned on me that I had been calling God by his first name! God and I are on an intimate first-name basis ~ something I can joyfully boast about. 

To Be Free Is To...

(1) live to please God alone,

(2) not care about your own reputation (what others think of you),  

(3) not be concerned about how your prayers are going to be answered,

(4) rejoice when someone else loves the Lord more than you do,

(5) never look down on someone who might not be as advanced as you spiritually,

(6) ...

        Actually, (1) is all I need to have put down as it covers the rest.

True or False

        Yesterday's Gospel Acclamation at Mass was John 16.28: "I came from the Father and have come into the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." Read it one more time. To the believer, what Jesus had said was absolutely true. To the nonbeliever, Jesus must be a false prophet or someone "demential" ~ no way around it! The Lord always challenges us (for our good).     

It All Has to Do with Love

        Since our love is not perfect, we can be pushed to the limit and stop loving, thereby loosing our inner peace and freedom. Just look at our own world. By contrast, God's love is perfect, making him holy and infinitely patient. He then remains free forever and is the source of all peace.

Three-Way Love

        As disciples of Jesus, we are to be the light of the world. Our light is to let all others see that God loves them and that we love God. We love God because he loves us. We love others because we love God ~ his love for all is demonstrated through our love for him.

Joy with Jesus

        In today's Gospel reading at Mass from John 16, Jesus knew that he's going to the Father in a little while and he told his disciples that they would weep and mourn, but their grief would turn into joy. When that happens, they would no longer remember the grief. 

        I can recall my own past sufferings and pains, both physical and mental; but since I am enjoying the Lord so much now, I don't ever think about those days anymore (no regret either). "When you are in love, the whole world looks beautiful" ~ it has that kind of effect. With Jesus, joy always wins out. Looking ahead, we see eternal life awaiting us in heaven and all present sorrows will be forgotten ~ so why not start "forgetting" them right now?           

Timely Questions for All

         For the nonbeliever: How much time do you have left in your life?

       For the believer: How much do you love the Lord? (Are you willing to surrender to him to seek union with him?) 

Union Most Satisfying

        In the state of union with God, one has no more desire to see apparitions or witness miracles because he already has the Lord in him, satisfying all his desires.

Total Occupation with God

        When you are in union with the Lord, figuratively you don't see, hear, or feel yourself anymore ~ you see, hear, and feel only him.

The Taking Away of Sins

        I know that Jesus takes away our sins, but what does that really mean? Of course, it means that the Savior has once and for all crushed the power of sin and given us the hope of salvation. More specifically, if a believer sins and repents (or goes to confession in the case the sin is serious), he is then forgiven and made whole again. Often, the same or another sin is committed again ~ this only shows that the tendency to sin is still there. But the Lord can take care of that too! Seek union to be holy and Christlike and he will eradicate your tendency to sin and take away your sins permanently. 

Don't Mind Others

        I've been observing others and notice that a lot of people do not have peace in them because they are not generous enough to tolerate others who might have offended them either unintentionally or deliberately, or who have not lived up to their expectations. Examples are getting bothered by someone who has an odd mannerism; being disappointed in someone not showing any consideration or gratitude for what he has received; seeing someone not acting in accordance with conventional custom... These are really forms of judging on the same level as gossiping. If you cannot tolerate such others, how can you expect God to tolerate you? Just let them all go in God so that you may have peace in you. 

Better or Worse than You Think

        Before God, if you consider yourself to be the greatest sinner, you may be a saint already. But if you believe that you are OK and good enough for God, you are definitely worse than you think ~ for lack of humility. (Read the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Luke 18.9-14.)

God, Source of Mercy & Peace

        Just before we receive Holy Communion at Mass today, after fraction of the Bread all asked the Lamb of God to have mercy on us twice and then grant us peace once. I felt that I was totally at God's mercy and that he is the source of all my peace. It is absolutely true that everything in heaven and on earth is at God's mercy and that true inner peace can only come from God. 

Ego as Your Guide

        Do not do anything if you feel that doing it is prompted entirely or just partly by your ego. It may be to give God glory, but the time may not be right yet. When the time is right, God will let you know and you will have peace. Peace is the sign by which you know if the ego is involved or not. (Hint. Extinguish the ego first and you won't have this problem.)        

Too Late to Be a Saint?

        Never! If God can raise the dead, he certainly can turn a living person into a saint. If you disagree, then you must not think highly of yourself and/or God's power. It's never too late ~ your willingness is the only determining factor.

To Know God...

be like Christ first, then you'll know exactly how he feels.

To Go Deeper in Love

        Some nice people, friends or family members, express their love by helping you whenever they can, in different ways, but they never seem to be interested in finding out how you're feeling or what you are really up to. I may be too harsh by saying that this is rather like going to Mass every Sunday just to discharge your obligation. To really love Jesus, you want to know him well, to find out what his joys and sorrows are, and what his will is for you at all times. Similarly, to love someone deeper is to explore that person deeper, finding out what his true wishes and feelings are, and go from there.         

Thoughtful God

        When you live in God, not only he shields you from all evil, he also keeps you clean on the inside so that you may continue to enjoy your residency ~ most thoughtful of him! 

God Always a Consolation

        Sometimes I have trouble finding the right words to express my inner feelings to God, then I realize that he looks into my heart and already knew what's there ~ lucky for me. God is always a consolation to us (and a step ahead of us).

All About Trust

        Through Saint Faustina, Jesus spread the message of his Divine Mercy, letting us know that we can trust in him. To trust means no more wondering, no more questions, and no more concern about what might or might not happen. Complete trust brings tremendous freedom! ("Jesus, I Trust in You!") 

Keeping Life Simple

        Jesus wants to simplify our lives ~ he never gave us any complicated rules; he only wants us to love. To do more is to make life complicated ~ misery then is bred. Make love our sole motivation for living, then we live in God and will enjoy peace.  

God the Great Makeover Artist

        The story of St. Augustine is an inspiration ~ it shows how God can change a great sinner into a great saint. Brothers and sisters, God can change us again and again, making each day more beautiful. Let God give you a complete and thorough makeover.

On Way to Judgment

        With zillions of actions going on and happening around the world, most of which not good, we truly are living in a chaotic, disordered world. I see all of us caught in a whirlpool, being tossed, churned, and pulled downward in slow motion. Eventually, everything will hit the bottom ~ this is the Day of Judgment. God will then settle all cases in his court and chaos will end and order return with everyone put in his right place.   

Best Place to Remain In

        Today is the Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle, and the Gospel reading is the same as yesterday's at Sunday Mass ~ John 15.9-17. Most beautiful is when Jesus asks the disciples to remain in his love. Imagine resting in his love, being soaked with his love, and living in his love at all times! Give me the most expensive and luxurious penthouse of all Manhattan and I'll choose the love of Lord to live in anytime.   

Freedom, Peace, and Joy

        After you believe in and have come to know Jesus, since he is the true God, he sets you free ~ this is the first experience. This experience of freedom naturally leads you to inner peace ~ the second experience. As for joy, the Holy Spirit will give it to you whenever he pleases ~ the surprise enhances the joy.

Greatest Love Practiced

        Jesus has taught and shown us that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15.13). So why not show our greatest love by laying down our lives in serving others?

How We Live Comes True

        If we live as if there will be no next life, then there will be no next life for us; but if we live as if there will a next life, then there will be one for us after we die.

Grateful for Old Age

        If we have reached an old age, we should be grateful not because we have lived longer in this world, but because we have been give more time to grow holier before meeting God. 

Knowledge as an Obstacle

        In today's society, at least in this country (USA), people know so much, kids included. After all, this is the information age. What's sad to see is that so many people talk as if they know everything! They are opinionated, vocal, and even boastful. Showing some humility couldn't be further from their minds. They are not even aware that they are being self-centered and foolish in God's eyes. The knowledge of the world can be as dangerous as other things of the world that blind us from seeing God.

More than God

        Another quick thought: The Christian God is not just God, he is also our Redeemer!

In Touch with Heaven

        After receiving Holy Communion today, I realized that I had just received the bread of heaven. Then the Holy Spirit is from heaven too, so being the temple of the Holy Spirit is to have the heavenly guest residing within me. Heaven and I are definitely in touch with each other. 

Our "Resurrection"

        The Entrance verse today at Mass, Colossians 2.12: "You were buried with Christ in baptism, in which you were also raised again with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." So you could say that we who have died in Christ and become new creatures in him have already gone through a resurrection. Indeed, the Lord raised us from the dead.

Real Presence Felt

        I just realize that my constant awareness of the presence of the Lord dwelling within me is due to the fact that he is truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Eucharist, which I receive at each Mass.

What's Important to Gain?

        We go to a gymnasium to exercise, work out hard, and eventually achieve a better-looking and stronger physique. We attend a higher-learning institution, study hard, read extensively, and become a well-educated and -informed intellectual. But we neglect to pray and nurture our faith in God so that we may evolve into a holier person. Isn't gaining eternal life so much more important than acquiring temporarily a well-proportioned body or a headful of knowledge?

What to Ask from the Father

        In today's Gospel, John 15, Jesus called his disciples his friends and he told them that he had chosen them and appointed them to go out and bear fruit, so that whatever they ask from the Father in his name, the Father may give them. Obviously, "whatever" doesn't include anything going against God's will. Therefore, you can be confident that if you ask God to make you holier, to draw you to union with him, he will readily comply.  

Seek Union First

        In today's Mass Reading 1 from Acts 15, the Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church, sent representatives to Antioch to correct the problem of some who went out without any mandate from the Church, upsetting others with their teachings. The unity of the faith must be maintained (Church of Ireland, take note.) If we oppose the teaching of the Church, we can not possibly be in union with Jesus. Seek union with the Lord first, then we'll have the wisdom and humility to know what's right and what's wrong.

To Sink or to Soar

        The rich are attached to their wealth and the poor want to become rich. In general, people are attached to what they already have and want to acquire even more things of the world. How to cure this problem? 

        Imagine that you are in your dying hour right now, luckily still with a clear mind. What are your thoughts? Are you looking forward to meeting God or still thinking or even worrying about what's going to happen to all your material possessions? Jesus has made it clear that we cannot serve both God and money. A soul heavily weighed down by material things is like a sinking ship, while one that chooses God first is more like a helium-filled balloon, eager to soar to God.

Burdensomeness Is Relative

        Today is the Memorial (optional) of St. Damien of Moloka'i, the Belgium priest who ministered to the lepers in their colony on the Hawaiian Island Moloka'i. He eventually contracted leprosy and died of the disease. I am thinking that if one of us is asked to work among the lepers, he or she probably would feel the assignment to be a great burden. So what's not burdensome to one may be burdensome to another. Mother Teresa is another case in point. To those who always seek to do God's will, burdens no longer exist, for they see performing each task as fulfilling their duty to serve the lord they love. Free of burden, they are joyful. 

God to Watch My Thoughts

        What I felt this morning as Mass started was that the Lord was going to oversee all my thoughts. This gave me no fear but joy. He sees all my thoughts anyway, so for him to supervise them to make sure that they meet his approval is indeed a great blessing I welcome with all my heart. The Lord can help us in all things.   

The Positive Approach to God

        One reason why I love St. Therese so much is because her faith in Jesus' love for her was predominant in her spiritual life. Personally, I also prefer to focus upon the positive. By letting the love, mercy, beauty, and glory of God draw you to him, all the negative aspects such as your sins and all other personal problems are then automatically taken away or overcome in due time. To me this is the joyful, effective way of approaching God. That's why I promote union with God above all. 

Church in Disarray

        The big news on BBC yesterday was that the Association of Catholic Priests, an organization which represents more than 850 priests in Ireland, had been meeting to discuss the future direction of the Church. The Vatican had criticized leading members of ACP for expressing views which contradict Church teaching. I watched the video: one priest spoke up against clerical celibacy and for ordination of women; another said that the educated people have the right to have a voice to be heard and if that voice leads to decisions to challenge the present institution, then that's progress. 

        I was saddened to hear these views expressed. Are the measures suggested by the first priest going to turn the Church in Ireland around and bring disillusioned parishioners back? I doubt it. The second priest spoke just like a present-day unbeliever ~ I just wonder where he got his education. For sure any voice attempting to break up the Church, which is the Body of Christ, could not have come from the Holy Spirit! What all these priests, including the bishops and the cardinals, should do is to get together to repent for all the sins (including the cover-up of child abuses) committed collectively by the clergy and ask the Lord to show the new direction for the Church.

Ultimate Freedom

        I used the phrase "free in God" in my last post. I thought about it and really like it. To be free in God is to feel free in the presence of God; that is, you feel free thinking, speaking, and doing things in his presence. This is like how a good child feels in the presence of its loving parents who are totally pleased with and approves of him or her. This is ultimate freedom!   

True Free Spirit

        One who does God's will is not concerned about what others, the world, think of him while he is alive or after he dies, because his aim is to please God alone. To him, personal accomplishment, reputation, and standing in the world do not exist. He is a true free spirit, free of ego and free in God. (He imitates Jesus.)  

How to Find Peace

        Today's Communion Song, John 14.27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give it to you, says the Lord, alleluia." What the Lord had made me see earlier during Mass was how beautiful it is to follow God and do his will. When you see that the two wills become one and the same, peace and joy pervade your whole being. Again, this is the way the Lord has made us! Only doing his will counts for eternity. Seek and you shall find, so seek his holy will always and you'll find peace. 

Levels of Thought

        This is somewhat related to the previous post. We are what we think, and we think on different levels. If we harbor sinful thoughts, we'll never experience inner peace. Most of the time many of us are occupied with mundane matters, which could also lead to stress and worry. Then we can always uplift our thoughts to God to let the Holy Spirit unconditionally guide our thinking, leading us to experience the greatest possible inner peace.

Jesus Liberates Us!

        In Acts 5 we learn how the angel of the Lord led the imprisoned apostles out of the public jail. In Acts 12, we read that when the angel of the Lord appeared to Peter in prison, the chains just fell from his wrists. He then followed the angel out, passing all the guards and went through the gate which opened for them by itself out to the city. Today when I see so many people carrying the burden of stress, worry, and excessive concern about themselves, they are virtually living in a prison. I want to testify to all that Jesus, our Lord, can completely free us as the angels miraculously led the apostles to freedom. The Lord died for us in order to set us free! He is our last resort, so make it your first. 

Enemies Within the Church

        Disunity and disobedience within the Church tear apart the Body of Christ, pleasing Satan only. We've seen Catholic politicians publicly going against the teachings of the Church. The University of Notre Dame had President Obama speak at its commencement despite outcries from many other Catholics. Now "pro-choice" Kathleen Sebelious, Secretary of the Department of Human Health and Services, has been invited by Georgetown University, this nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit University, to speak at one of its commencement ceremonies. It's sad that the true sheep of Christ have to fight enemies within as well as without. If you share my viewpoint, consider signing the petition on GeorgetownScandal.com.  

Join God Now

        If you do believe that God exists and we have imperishable souls, then it must be clear to you that there is an ongoing spiritual war waged by Satan against God, fighting for our very souls. Being a given that God cannot be defeated and will be victorious at the end, I am wise enough to side with the Lord right now. If you don't join him in the fight, you only prolong the war and may end up on the loser's side.

God's Love

        The truth "God loves us" is most simple, yet most profound. To us, it's un-imaginable, yet completely logical. We have a rare case of "what seems too good to be true is true."  

Made for Heaven

        In today's Gospel reading from John 14 at Mass, Jesus told his disciples that he was going to his Father's house to prepare a place for them. Even before the Gospel reading, the Lord had made me see that we are truly wonderful creatures made by him. In his eyes, we are worthy to be saved to live eternally with him in heaven! If God so highly thinks of us, then isn't it a great sin to denigrate our own worth, to not hope in him, and to alienate him by continuing our sinful way of life?      

The Best Feeling Is...

knowing that God loves me (you). It touches the soul and heals it, uplifts the spirit high, and is most moving, deeply satisfying, sweet, and intoxicating. If you know Jesus, you'll know that this is true. To be loved by God is to experience God's greatest power!

All God's Love

        Today is the Feast of St. Philip and St. James, Apostles. After receiving Holy Communion, I felt that I was loving God with his love, for he is the source of all good things. Since his love is inexhaustible, the possibility of loving him more is also unlimited.

To Be Detached from Thoughts

        To be detached from your own thoughts is to never have your thoughts put a burden on your heart. This feels the same as being detached from the world, for all things go through the mind first. When thoughts can no longer enslave you, your heart will be light and free. Let Jesus displace all your own thoughts so that you can be so detached and free.

Goose Story with Happy Ending

        Many animals are known to mate for life ~ they are more faithful than humans. I've noticed that the Canadian geese in my area seem to show up in pairs. Recently, as I looked out my home window, I noticed a single goose, sitting or standing out there by the creek, day after day. I surmised that it must have lost its mate, so I felt sorry for the lone bird and wished that it would join some flock and find another mate. Yesterday I looked out the same window and was delighted to see a pair of geese with a gosling walking around them, while pecking at the grass. My initial guess must be all wrong ~ the lone goose was out there because its mate was away sitting upon the egg somewhere hidden for the baby to hatch. So I felt sorry for nothing! Perhaps there are spiritual lessons to be learned here, but I just want to share the surprising story with the happy ending.

God's Ultimate Assurance

        In today's Gospel reading from John 10 at Mass, Jesus told the Jews about the sheep (us) who follow him, "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." This reaffirms all that I believe. We are assured of eternal life. We are assured of safety in God's hand. How loving the Lord is! What a loving Father! Once you are one with Jesus, you are one with him forever! It's impossible to ask for more than what you get here, the absolute ultimate one could ever desire.

        (Note. The very opposite to being held securely in the Father's hand is being lost with no faith, direction, or certainty.)