Fr. Chad Ripperger is a well-known Catholic priest, theologian, and exorcist. Because of his encounters with demons in his work, he seems to know a lot about heaven and hell. I watched his talk on hell—believe me, what you learn will make you believe in the God of Christ fast. Of course, you should really believe because God loves you in the first place. Here is Fr. Ripperger's short talk on heaven. I learned that the joy you receive in heaven is proportional to how much you love him on earth. This made sense to me. A holy person on earth will experience greater joy in heaven than someone who repents and is saved in his last moments on earth. When you yearn for the Lord, it is really a form of prayer, and he answers that! Note: Don't miss the last statement of the talk.
Monday, May 4, 2026
***Requisite for Knowing God*
In today's Gospel reading from John 14, Jesus said to his disciples: "Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." People say, "I don't believe in God because I am open and don't hear a thing from him." Now we see that to know God, you must love him first; you cannot expect the Lord to come to you if you don't have any desire to know him. You are not really open when you have not yet cast aside your pride.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
***We Are Not Left Out***
In yesterday's Gospel Reading from John 14, Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that he is in the Father and the Father is in him. It amazes me that when we attain union with God through the Holy Eucharist, the Lord is in us and we are in him.
**Eternal Salvation Assured**
I was not able to blog yesterday because an emergency came up. Now that things have calmed down, I am going over the Mass readings. In the First Reading from Acts 13, I read: "All who were destined for eternal life came to believe . . . ." So if you believe in the word of God, you are destined for eternal life. Persevere to the end and your eternal salvation is assured.
Friday, May 1, 2026
**All for Our Sake!**
The Communion Antiphon, Roman 4:25, reads: "Christ our Lord was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification, alleluia." We now ought to live for him and die in him in order that we may be raised again.
**Unforgettable Pronise**
On this first day of May, what Jesus said to his disciples in the First Reading from John 14 fills me with joy: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be." I shall always remember these comforting words!
Thursday, April 30, 2026
***Most Amazing God***
In today's Reading 1 from Acts 13, Paul quotes John the Baptist regarding Jesus: "Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet." Yet this Lord was willing to die for my salvation and unite with me in body and spirit today. This is so unexpected and overpowering that it is virtually a miracle. I shall rejoice in my most amazing God forever!
***Another Urgent Reminder****
After swimming ten laps or running on a treadmill nonstop for 30 minutes, you probably feel pretty good about your fitness. Nevertheless, you are still aging. Remember that you were once an infant, a teenager, and then a young adult; perhaps you are already middle-aged. Regardless, the Lord God knows the exact day you'll leave this world. You may feel great now, but you are just passing through. Instead of focusing only on your temporary physical condition, I suggest you pay attention to the state of your soul, which will remain the same forever in the next life.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
***Serious, Clear Messages***
On this Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, I am going to separate the Gospel reading from John 12 into four parts.
(1) Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.
(2) I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.
(3) Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.
(4) And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”
Parts 1 and 4 show that Jesus and God the Father are one. Part 2 reveals the purpose of Jesus' coming into the world, which is to save, not condemn, us. Part 3 reveals the consequences if we reject him.
**Learn This Wisdom**
When we are young, even if we profess to be Christians, it's easy to put ourselves in charge of everything rather than the Lord. He may come after you, or a long way back. However, upon reaching old age, you may finally realize that all the time you lived without Christ truly being your Lord is time wasted, and you don't have much time left to get ready for meeting him. Of course, this awakening could have started and unfolded gradually earlier. Knowing this reality should help you see that it would be wise to start out letting the Lord be in charge from the very beginning.
**Stop Deceiving Yourself**
The Apostle wrote in 1 John 1: "If we say, 'We are without sin,' we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, 'We have not sinned,' we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." So the very first step we must take to follow Christ to eternal life is to acknowledge that we are sinners. This is the minimum humility needed to follow him. Do not continue deceiving yourself, for Christ is the Truth.
***Best We Can Do***
I thought about what Jesus had undergone to save us from eternal death. The best thing I could think of, as a finite being, was to completely obey him in all things—we cannot do any better than that. If we all do that, love and peace will reign in this world before we all enter heaven!
***Look Forward Only***
As Christians, we must always look forward to Christ and heaven. Looking toward anything else is like moving backward, especially when we wish we had handled our past differently, as this prevents us from growing closer to the Lord.
Monday, April 27, 2026
**Repentance Is a Joy**
From today's First Reading from Acts 11, we learn that God has granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles. Repentance is truly life-giving because the gate of heaven opens up when you repent. Repentance may sound sad, but it leads to the greatest possible joy.
***True Lord and True God***
Since I am suffering a little bit, I have started thinking about Jesus' Passion. It is absolutely amazing that he went through all that without complaining and retaliating the slightest. As a matter of fact, he even prayed for his enemies. He truly practiced what he preached. He is indeed our Lord and our God!
**To Be Wise and Prudent**
I have just suffered a physical setback, which will keep me from going to Mass and the gym for a while. What I miss most is not being able to receive the Holy Eucharist. I do see that suffering gives me the opportunity to offer up my pain to the Lord to unite with him even more. When we are physically sound, we tend to think about this life only. It is often when people get older that they realize death is near and it's time to turn to God. Of course, we should know that anyone can die at any time. So, living as if this is your last day on earth is wise and prudent.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
***Are You the Lord's Sheep?*
In today's Gospel reading from John 10, Jesus says that he walks ahead of his sheep and they follow him because they recognize his voice. Again, this raises some questions. We think we follow the Lord as our shepherd, but do we really hear his voice? And if we do, do we recognize that it is him? I am not talking about hearing him audibly, rather, when you are close to him, your heart simply feels what his feels. There is a union of hearts here.
**Guardian of Our Souls**
In today's Second Reading from 1 Peter 2, the Apostle writes: "For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls." I believe that we all have a soul, and that the only guardian of our souls is Christ, our Creator and Savior. If you care about your own soul, you must look to him before you search elsewhere. I can testify to you that he is the perfect one for all our needs. (Read today's Psalm 23 to be affirmed.)
**Peter Raises a Question**
In today's First Reading from Acts 2, I was struck by Peter's words: "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." We certainly live in such times, so the question is this: "Will you head toward destruction with the majority, or will you let Christ lead you to eternal life?" Do you dare to be different?
Saturday, April 25, 2026
**God's Most Beautiful Love**
Communion experience. God's love for us is the most beautiful thing in the universe. When you embrace it, you are shielded from all evil, receiving strength, guidance, wisdom, peace, and consolation in times of sorrow, freeing you to become pure and beautiful yourself.
***Awakening for All Catholics***
The Catholic Church has received the whole truth through Christ, who declared that the gates of the netherworld should not prevail against her. While the final victory over evil is assured, for the time being, Satan has infiltrated the Church, causing apostasy from the top, disunity among the clergy, and scandals within her walls. The priesthood and marriage are his prime targets. These events were prophesied by the Blessed Mother throughout the last century (at Fatima, Garabandal, Akita, and Civitavecchia).As a result, the teachings and messages we receive today are often weak, confusing, or even unholy. All the more, we need to seek refuge in and guidance from the Lord himself.
***Two Significant Statements*****
Today is the Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist. In the Gospel reading from Mark 16, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned." Both statements are significant. The first is a direct command, while the second is indirect, warning of the severe consequences of not believing in him.
**For the Rich to Enter Heaven*
In Matthew 19, Jesus said to his disciples, "Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." We must understand that a typical rich person lives mostly for his own well-being and cares less about the welfare of others, making him self-centered or even self-serving. This is the problem. So if you are rich but detached from all your possessions and care about those in need, you should be okay.
Friday, April 24, 2026
**Better Pursuit*
While we all seek physical comfort, pursuing spiritual consolation offers far greater, higher-level rewards.
**Great Feeling**
Communion experience. I know that the Lord loves me and has chosen me. It's impossible not to rejoice in him!
*****Greatest Division (a WARNING)*****
A great division exists between those who are with Christ and those who are not. After death, this becomes an unbridgeable chasm, as far apart as heaven and hell. If you remain united with Christ now, you will have nothing to worry about!
**What Judging Is**
Telling others they are offending the Lord and in the wrong is not judging, as it is done out of pure love. Judging is criticizing others without pity. Jesus points out our faults so that we may be saved; he feels sorrow for us, but never condemns us as long as there is still a chance for us to turn around.
***True Flesh, True Blood***
In today's Gospel reading from John 6, Jesus said to the Jews, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. . . . This is the bread that came down from heaven." After hearing this, it is impossible to believe that the Lord meant his words symbolically.
**"Here I Am"**
In Scripture, we often come across this response when someone realizes the Lord is calling them. This shows you are ready to follow whatever he asks you to do. It is a response that pleases him greatly—and should please you, too. To be called by the Lord is a great honor, for he calls only those he wishes to exalt.
**Beginning Anew**
Before Mass began this morning, I emptied myself entirely, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me and make me anew. This clean sweep solidifies my union with the Beloved Lord.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
***What We Must Secure First***
Earlier today, I met someone I felt sorry for; there are people like that all around us. She seems very nice and friendly, but she isn't trying to live a holy life and shows no interest in anything beyond this world. I feel for her because she hasn't secured her soul yet. In life, we might miss out on many earthly comforts, but I am talking about missing the opportunity to be free and happy for all eternity! For now, I can only pray for such souls and share the gospel with them when I have the chance.
***Mary's Prophecy***
This message has been around and good for all Catholics to know: https://youtube.com/shorts/j8nuJbIW0nw?si=yzdeR25zCIGOy2qZ
***Reason for My Joy***
Communion experience. I am still on earth bodily, but my soul is already resting securely in Jesus' holy hands! That explains my constant joy in hm.
***WISE ADVICE***
In heaven, time stands still, and you remain holy, happy, and unchanged forever. On earth, time passes irreversibly. Therefore, it's wise to latch onto Christ before your time runs out.
***Do You Know That . . .
when you are aware of the holy presence of the Lord God, your ego vanishes?
***Do You Realize?***
Christ took on the greatest sorrow so that we may experience the greatest joy. He died for us so that we may live forever!
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
***Our Biggest Enemy***
It's not Satan. It's our ego, our pride! Pride keeps us from obeying God. Since the Lord is ever present, ego has no place to exist in us. Unfortunately, it surfaces all the time in us, even when we are supposed to be serving the Lord. We all feel good when people say nice things about us. The ego absolutely doesn't need to be fed; praise is for God alone. Pride also causes the loss of our reverence for the Lord. At Mass, we should focus upon the Lord solely, yet we often hear thing said for the amusement of the congregation—that's the ego acting. Right after Mass ends, the church instantly sounds noisier than a cafe with people talking and chattering—that's the doing of a lot of egos. I know many others don't feel it this way; then to each his own. I do know that if everyone were a lot more humble, the world will be a lot happier place.
***God's Life-Changing Joy***
Today's Entrance Antiphon based on Psalm: 71: 8 and 23, reads: "Let my mouth be filled with your praise, that I may sing aloud; my lips shall shout for joy when I sing to you, alleluia." And the Response from Psalm reads: "Let all the earth cry out to God with joy." The Lord God is all about joy—he has solved my problems and fills me to the brim! The happiness the world offers is generated externally, channeled through your physical senses, and is temporary. By contrast, the joy of the Lord comes from heaven, landing directly in your heart. It then bubbles forth like a spring, keeping you refreshed and exhilarated forever.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
**Most Precious Lord**
Communion experience. The Lord is as precious to me as my own soul, if not more so. I owe my whole existence, now and forever, to him!
**Critical for Our Survival**
As long as we remain open to Christ, the chance of getting into heaven is always there. So start talking to him right now, for he awaits and is ready to receive you with open arms.
***Our Only Fundamental Reality***
To avoid Christ is to avoid reality itself. Though all creation may pass away, the Creator never will. The only one we can trust for all eternity is the only fundamental reality and truth we have: Christ the LORD. Without him, there would be no life whatsoever.
***How to Love God in One Step*****
You surrender yourself completely to God and don't sin anymore. (This is not easier said than done if your surrender is genuine and total.)
***The Bread of Life***
Jesus is known as the Lamb of God—a truly beautiful and meaningful title! In today's Gospel reading from John 6, Jesus describes himself as the Bread of Life, telling the people: "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." This is yet another powerful and fitting name for him!
***Freedom Found in God Only***
Today's Psalm Response, Ps 31:6a, reads: "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." A christian should be willing and able to commend his body, mind, will, and spirit entirely into the Lord's hands. This is how you are set free. The truth is that when you obey the Lord completely, you attain freedom; conversely, disobedience causes unrest.
***We Are Made for the Lord***
We all have hobbies or something else we enjoy doing in this life. For myself, I can name music and photography. I appreciate listening to great music. Some compositions are just beautiful; you could say that they melt your heart and even touch your soul. The question is this: If I never age or die in this world, will I be perfectly happy listening to such music forever? My answer is a resounding no—I feel music alone is not enough to satisfy me for all eternity. Let me now move on to photography. I have a natural eye for it, and my works are so personal that people can tell the images could have only been made by me. In a way, it means even more to me than music. Suppose I am able to explore the world and photograph like that forever—will I be satisfied? The answer is again no, as I feel there has to be something more than that. Anyway, I already have Christ, the one who truly satisfies me. He fills all my hunger and quenches all my thirst. God has indeed made us for Him alone.
Monday, April 20, 2026
***The Tabernacle Experience*
While in line to receive Holy Communion this morning, I looked straight ahead and saw the beautiful golden tabernacle on the altar wide open, where the consecrated hosts dwell. Knowing the Lord himself is in heaven, I saw that heaven is his tabernacle, and I shall dwell with him there forever. Joy filled my heart.
**How Time Passes**
How fast time goes by depends on how we conceive it. If we see it as a grandfather clock ticking away, then it seems to pass slowly. But if we picture it as a rushing torrent flowing downstream in a white water creek, them it seem to pass awfully fast. Either way, the time we have on earth will end sooner or later, and that's what we should focus on.
**Living the Christian Life**
It is simple. We listen for the Lord's voice and follow what he wants us to do.
**Quality over Quantity
When serving God and bearing fruit for the Lord's sake, quality matters more than quantity. It is better to serve Him from the heart than to focus on accomplishing many things.
**To Be Filled with Grace and Power**
In today's First Reading from Acts 6, Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of various synagogues came forward and debated with him, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. Like Stephen, we need to have the wisdom and the spirit to defend the Lord. Do you have them? If not, here's another reason to attain union with the Lord through the Holy Eucharist.
**Thank God More*
We need to thank God as much as we praise him. In fact, thanking him is a form of praise and a way to remain humble.
***Amazing God Beyond Expectations*
The ways, thoughts, and omnipotence of the infinite God are so far above us that we are practically nothing compared to him. Yet, he loves and values us to the point of desiring union with us through the Holy Eucharist. This is truly far beyond our expectations, and we should rejoice in and thank him for it.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
**Reveling in God's Love**
Communion experience: I entered the infinite sphere of God's love and deeply reveled in it.
**Following God Is Personal Business*
The Lord's Prayer was given to each of us by Christ. So, when we come to the part, "Thy will be done," it really means "Thy will be done through us." The point is that only God can change each of us. Therefore, obeying the Lord both begins and ends with us.
***Within Our Reach!**
Do you realize that the Lord God has given his all for our sake, and if we do the same for him, we will attain perfect union with him, along with and peace and joy, now and forever?
***The Lord Awaits***
Jesus died for us to save us from the death caused by sin. Now, how will we respond to him?
***To Cease Sinning***
Since we have inherited original sin, we tend to sin. But if you attain union with God through receiving the Savior in the Holy Eucharist regularly and develop a sharp conscience, you lose your tendency to sin—the Lord is that powerful! Now you enjoy his peace unceasingly.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
***Most Satisfying Experience***
Communion experience. I have returned to the one who created me out of love and found eternal peace. There is nothing else that can satisfy me more!
***Be Wise and Live***
Many of us avoid facing Jesus, busily occupy ourselves with worldly tasks instead. Essentially, this is a form of escapism that fails to solve the root problem. Sooner or later, everyone must face the Lord’s judgment. The wise, however, choose to look to God first.
*****Awesome Lord*****
In today's Gospel reading from John 6, the disciples were rowing their boat across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and the sea was stirred up by a strong wind. Then, they saw Jesus walking on water toward them. It shows that Jesus, the creator of all life, is also the Lord of all physical laws. Whether the object he deals with is animate or not is irrelevant—anything he wills gets realized!
**Tle Lord's Wish*
Today's Entrance Antiphon, based on 1 Peter 2:9, reads: "O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, alleluia." The Communion Antiphon, based on John 17:24, reads: "Father, I wish that, where I am, those you gave me may also be with me, that they may see the glory which you gave me, alleluia." So the Lord calls us out of darkness into his wonderful light and wishes that we remain with him!
**Christian Joy, Now and Forever**
A Christian who follows the Lord rejoices in him at all times, having already been promised eternal life. Though this life may be difficult, it pales in comparison to the big picture; eternal joy simply outweighs everything else.
Friday, April 17, 2026
**Perfect Day**
Communion experience. Every day I attend Mass and receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist is a perfect day for me.
**The Lord Always Provides*
In today's Gospel reading from John 6, giving, Jesus multiplied five barley loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of thousands, giving them as much as they wanted. I believe that the Lord will always provide those who follow him with whatever they need to draw them closer to him.
**God's Transformative Power**
Verse 41 of today's First Reading from Acts 5 tells us that the Apostles rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name of Jesus. I don't think we can ever feel this way for the sake of anyone else. It just shows how the Lord is capable of transforming us by making us completely selfless.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
***Know This Rule!***
In today's Gospel reading from John 3, the Apostle clearly lays out what we must do to have eternal life: "The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, instead, the wrath of God remains upon him."
**God's Power*
In today's Reading 1 from Acts 5, Peter and the other Apostles fearlessly preached in the name of Jesus, even when the Sanhedrin forbade them. It is easy to follow someone in the world who is outwardly strong and powerful, yet many of us would happily live and die for Jesus, who is the most humble and meek person you can find. This is truly amazing, proving that he is indeed our Lord and our God.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
**Our Most Foolish Choice**
The Lord God wants to take complete care of us, especially our souls. But if we reject him and choose not to place ourselves in his hands, we cause him the greatest possible sorrow for being so heartless and foolish. And this will come back to haunt us for all eternity!
**That Great Clean Feeling**
Being clean all over is a great feeling, but when the Lord makes your heart and soul spotless, making you fit for heaven, that is absolutely the best 'clean feeling' this side of heaven. And that is only possible through Christ.
**What Christ Wishes for Us**
If you already have Christ on your side, let nothing disturb your peace, no matter how chaotic the world is around you. All worries and fears are not only counterproductive, but also displeasing to the Lord. Remember how he first greeted his disciples after he had risen? He said, "Peace be with you!" And this is what he wishes for us.
**Check Your Fruit**
Today's Communion Antiphon, based on John 15;16, reads: "I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, and have appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, alleluia." We all bear fruit, but some of us bear only fruit that quickly perishes. So examine yourself to see what kind of fruit you are producing. Does your fruit last? Does it help you store up treasure in heaven?
*****Truth We Need to Know*****
Today's Gospel Reading: John 3:16-21, reveals first the absolute central truth, then an explanation of why some people do not accept it. You are most likely familiar with these verses—but since it is critically important that we take this message most seriously, I am reproducing it in its entirety below.
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
***Truth Has to Come to Light**
In today's First Reading from Acts 5, the captain of the temple guards and the chief priests learned that the apostles whom they put in prison were in the temple area and teaching the people. When you know the Lord, you can't help but share the gospel out of pure joy! It is humanly impossible to keep such a glorious truth secret. This is how the Lord has made us!
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
**Including the Lord Always**
We ask the Lord for help when our hearts are troubled. Why don't we incorporate that whenever we face any problem? For example, I have a computer problem which I don't quite understand right now. I am not going to ask the Lord to fix it for me, but I could certainly ask him to lead me to find the solution somewhere. It is good to integrate the Lord into every part of our life just to strengthen our union with him.
**Communion Experience**
The Lord is present in person, transforming the consecrated bread and wine into his own flesh and blood. We stand on holy ground, basking in his light. When we receive the Holy Eucharist, our souls are healed. Though we are not in heaven yet, the Lord is already with us.
**Logical Conclusion**
Since God loves us and understands us perfectly, his judgment of us will be perfectly just.
***Ideal Easy Living**
In today's Gospel reading from John 3, Jesus said to Nicodemus: "You must be born from above. The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." It is all the Lord's doing—we simply believe in him and let him accomplish whatever he wishes with us. This is living the ideal "easy life"!
**Understanding How God Loves Us**
Verse 13 of today's Gospel reading from John 3 reads: "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man." And the Communion antiphon, based on Luke 24: 46 & 26, reads: "The Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory, alleluia." By seeing the truth of these two statements, we understand how God the Father loves us.
Monday, April 13, 2026
**Divine Mercy Miracles**
Since we just had Divine Mercy Sunday, I saw this video and would like to share it with you.
**Best Attitude**
The Lord has wonderfully made you, so never be unhappy about yourself—just let him perfect you.
***Shame on Us***
We Christians are supposed to love the Lord more than anything else; however, we usually focus exclusively on pleasing ourselves, treating him like an afterthought.
**Signs You've Been Born of the Spirit**
In today's Gospel reading from John 3, Jesus said to the Pharisee Nicodemus, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." You know you have been born of the Spirit when you feel the holy presence of the Lord at all times, are on fire with love for him, and find it impossible not to spread the gospel to everyone.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
***Feeling the Disciples' Joy**
Today's Gospel reading came from John 20. It started with verses 19 and 20: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. At this point, the Holy Spirit also filled me with unspeakable joy! Alleluia.
**Heard from Peter**
Today's Reading 2 came from 1 Peter 1. When I heard the last two verses, 8 and 9, read, I felt as if Peter was speaking directly to me, and I was deeply moved. Here they are: "Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now, yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." Amen.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
**An Elementary Truth**
Christ has already died for us. If we are now willing to die for him, we are saved and gain eternal life in heaven.
***How to Receive Complete Forgiveness***
With Divine Mercy Sunday approaching, it is a blessing to know we can receive this extraordinary grace from God.
Friday, April 10, 2026
***Perfect Resolution***
Whatever the Lord wills, it is done! So we need to get the Lord to will what we will and we shall have our way. But to achieve that, we must will what he wills first. The perfect resolution is reached when we attain union with the Lord, for now his and our wills are the same.
****Revere the Lord, Please****
It seems that as Christians, we always fall short of loving God. I believe that the cause is the lack of reverence for the Lord; people are too casual in their approach. They fail to realize that the Lord is ever-present and sustaining every moment of our existence. We must remember that he is Love and our mighty creator, deserving our utmost respect and reverence. In other words, we must take him most seriously. If we have already been too much influenced by the world, a significant change ln our lives will be needed before it is too late.
**Why Not Rely upon God?**
We are finite and weak, but we have a loving Lord who is infinitely strong. Why don't we go all out to trust in and rely upon him totally? This is how we can become super strong and also holy and free of ourselves.
****It Is the Lord!****
In today's Gospel reading from John 21, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. Peter with six other disciples went fishing and caught nothing the whole night. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was he. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No." So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net with the fish.
The moment you recognize that it is the Lord ought to be one of the most exhilarating moments for any of his followers. You don't have to actually see him—you only need to see that it's his doing or that he has a hand in what you see. Come to think of it, since the Lord is ever present, every moment should be an "it-is-the-Lord" moment. Realizing this can help us live a truly intimate life in Christ!
**Easter Joy Brings Peace**
The Resurrection of Christ revived all his followers, and the Church was born. Today, we live in the assurance of eternal salvation, and peace ensues.
***Our Only Savior***
From today's Reading 1 from Acts 4, verse 12a reads: "There is no salvation through anyone else [other than Jesus]." I totally agree here. There is no one else who can claim that. Resurrection alone shows that Christ is indeed the author of life and God. Of course, as our creator, he can save us.
****First Everlasting Joy****
Christ's Resurrection makes it possible for us to rejoice in God forever!
Thursday, April 9, 2026
***My Loving Warning***
Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior and follow him, and you are saved forever. The more you delay, the higher your risk of losing him forever—as sudden death can occur without warning.
*****Easy to Please!*****
The Lord Jesus is wide open to us. In Matthew 7, he says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." The Lord is so easy to please! He is overjoyed if you just cast a glance in his direction. So ,tell him that you love him often. Repent your sins without delay from you heart. Thank him for everything. Pray to him as your most personal friend and talk to him as your soulmate unceasingly. Yes, let him know you want to be like him . . . imagine how happy you can make him feel!
**Time to Choose Sides**
Christ stands as the absolute truth. In the end, we'll be separated by him into two groups which can in appropriately named Sheep and Goats (cf. Matthew 25:31-33). He'll place all those who are with him in Sheep and those not with him in Goats, for he has said that whoever is not with me is against me. All the sheep will be saved for eternity and the goats, cast out forever. As long as evil exists, this division remains. If you are smart, you will start preparing now. Not doing anything plays right into Satan's hands.
**Out of Darkness into Light**
Today's Communion Antiphon based on 1 Peter 2:9 reads: "O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, alleluia." The Lord has certainly called me—I was blind to the truth and now see it so clearly. (When I received the Lord in the Holy Sacrament, I knew I was receiving exactly what the Apostles and all the great saints had received.)
**Trusting in God All the Way**
In today's Gospel reading from Luke 24, the resurrected Lord appears to his disciples in Jerusalem. He tells them that everything written about him in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled—specifically that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. We can be sure that the Lord always knows what is coming and how everything will finally end. Therefore, trust in him all the way and not worry about a thing!
****Christ Exists Forever!**
From today's First Reading, Acts 3:15 reads: "The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses." Obviously, it is impossible for the creator of life to die, for he is the beginning of all things.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
**How You Feel Without Ego**
When you no longer have an ego and people hurt you, you only feel sorry for them, not for yourself anymore. I believe this is how Jesus feels, for he is most humble and meek, and full of love.
***God's Love Is . . .*
infinite, pure, generous, and completely selfless; it is unconditional and meltingly sweet, yet absolutely overwhelming.
***Be Alive for God!***
When you are enthused about doing something, it is always more fun. The same is true for leading a spiritual life. Being a lukewarm Christian is merely scraping by—you certainly won't please the Lord. It is essential to let the Holy Spirit enkindle within you the fire of love, allowing you to live by loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. Ultimately, attaining union with God through the Holy Eucharist is the answer. Be completely open to God and he will fill you to overflowing.
*****Greatest Gift of This Life*****
In today's Gospel reading from Luke 24, the disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread. When the Lord Jesus first broke bread at the Last Supper, he instituted this Most Holy and Divine Sacrament—the greatest gift we can receive in this life: the Lord himself. It unites us to him both physically and spiritually, leading us to eternal life in heaven!
***Never See Yourself the Same Way Again***
Today's Entrance Antiphon, based on Matthew 25:34, reads:"Come, you blessed of my Father; receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, alleluia." This is a monumental statement; we were in the Father's plan before the creation of the universe! We are not just random beings—each of us has a major role to assume in God's plan. We who were made in God's image truly belong to him!
***Ignorance May Not Be Bliss**
The Passion Jesus underwent was extreme: the agony in the garden, scourging at the pillar, crowning with thorns, carrying of the cross, and crucifixion. There are many other details I could mention. If you have no qualms dismissing all that, you must believe that you do not sin—nor do you care about the fate of your soul after death.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
**Seeking What Is Above**
Today's Communion Antiphon, Colossians 3:1-2, reads, "If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God; mind the things that are above, alleluia." We all tend to seek things that are of interest to us. For example, men enjoy talking about cars, tools, and sports, or drinking beer at a bar with each other. It's great camaraderie, but these things do not make us holier or uplift us to God, for we are very much influenced by whom we associate with. It's by seeking the Lord above that we can grow spiritually. In fact, the closer you get to him, the speedier will your progress be. To become holier just gets easier as you allow the Lord to do more and more for you. For the Christian on his journey, it always gets better and better.
***Enjoying he Lord to the Fullest***
If you are a baptized and confirmed Catholic, the Holy Spirit should already dwell within you. However, if you are unsure of this, I encourage you to seek union with God through the Holy Eucharist. Upon reaching that ultimate intimacy with the Lord, you will feel the Holy Spirit guiding your thoughts, words, and deeds, allowing you to experience, savor, and cherish the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at all times.
Monday, April 6, 2026
**My Resurrection*
Communion experience. The Lord has already raised me from the dead spiritually, while I believe in a future bodily resurrection, according to the Church's teaching.
**Serious Awareness***
If living for God is building up treasures in heaven, then living just for yourself is squandering away everything you have and ultimately losing your own soul.
**Fools & Hypocrites Abound**
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 28, it happened earlier that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Later, some of the guards went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.' And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." We see that the chief priests and the elders not only did not believe, but they even tried to hide the truth with falsehoods, on the same level as today's "fake news" and crooked politicians. How utterly foolish and hypocritical one can be!
***Time to Go Home to the Father!***
When you fully surrender to Christ, you receive complete peace and feel free. You finally realize that the Lord loves you and that you belong to him!
Sunday, April 5, 2026
**Easter Sorrow**
I attended morning Mass at my church, and it was absolutely packed. I did not arrive early enough and had to park my car around 1,000 feet away from the church entrance. My joy in the Lord was tempered with sorrow for those who only show up for Mass at Easter and Christmas. The only way to improve this situation is for us to be more like Christ ourselves.
***Easter Joy to All!***
Today is Easter Sunday, the day Christ rose from the dead. It is the Lord's resurrection followed by his ascension into heaven that makes it possible for us to die and have life in heaven with him for all eternity—this should give us the greatest possible joy! He is truly the life and light of the world!
Friday, April 3, 2026
***Perfect Time to Let Love Reign***
On this Good Friday of the Lord's Passion, we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of God's only Begotten Son for the sake of saving us from sin. It shows the greatest love possible. If you know that you are a sinner, all the readings at today's Mass are worth going over. The first three verses of Reading I from Isaiah 52 already hit me pretty hard. Isaiah amazingly prophesied the coming of Christ in the 8th century BC. The Gospel reading consists of John 18 and 19, two entire chapters. This is the perfect time to read about Christ and let God's love move you. Do it with an open heart and you'll never be the same person again.
**To Be Saved for Sure**
There are ex-Catholics who no longer attend Mass regularly but still do some good work for the Church occasionally. Perhaps out of guilt, they still try to earn some merits, hoping that the Lord will still save them. It that is their intent, it won't work, for salvation is not based upon good works outweighing bad ones. You can do multiple good deeds, but if you are still unrepentant of one serious sin, you cannot be saved. All sins must be forgiven! The good thief who was crucified next to Christ was saved when he asked the Lord to remember him when he came into his kingdom. To be saved, you must want to be saved from your very heart. Hoping to be saved is taking a losing chance.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
**Faith the Lord Deserves from Us**
With the world in chaos and evil infiltrating our societies, governments, and churches, I will still trust in Christ with faith unshakable, knowing that in the end, the Lord will put everything in order and banish evil forever. Here are the first three verses of Psalm 27 to uplift our spirits: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, these my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.
***True Fact**
True freedom, true peace, and true joy can only come from knowing Jesus Christ, the true God. How much you experience these gifts depends entirely upon how deep your union is with the Lord.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
**Having Faith in God is Beautiful**
Believing in the true God of Christ is indeed beautiful, for you are completely transformed into a new creature, living in Christ and free from the world, and know that you will soon be with him in paradise for all eternity.
*****Infinite Faith in an Infinite God*****
I'd like to start this month with another video by Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. Listening to him preach is incredibly satisfying because he focuses directly on Christ. Many other homilies lack power because they center more on us—on how we can follow the Lord better. Truly, having unshakable faith in Christ can banish our worries, fill our hearts with peace, and solve all our problems. Does it sound too good to be true? Not if your have great faith!
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
***Perfection Formula***
The secret is to surrender yourself to God, by surrendering yourself to his love. In practice, you just let him love you!
**The Prayer We Need**
Also, in today's Gospel reading, Jesus said to Peter, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later." Peter said to him, "Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times." We also promise to follow the Lord, yet we continue sinning against him. Pray hard that he will perfect us and not test us to the point of failing him.
**How Christ Suffered for Our Sake**
In today's Gospel reading from John 13, while reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. Later, Satan entered Judas and he left at once. Then Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, 'Where I go you cannot come.'" The disciples were not sure what was happening, but the Lord had been carrying out the Father's plan all along. It is hard for me to imagine the agony he had to endure through all those years he was with us.
Monday, March 30, 2026
**Taking God Seriously**
Today, many of us Catholics love the Lord, but not seriously enough due to a lack of total reverence. While Christ is our dearest friend and even our soulmate, we must not forget that he is, first and foremost, our Lord and our God. The best way to take him seriously is to obey him in all things—something we often fall short of doing.
**Rejoicing in Our Savior**
In today's Gospel reading from John 12, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, lived. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with him. Imagine how happy and grateful Lazarus must have felt with his Savior. Now we who love the Lord have also been saved by the same Lord for all eternity. Let us rejoice in and be grateful to him as well.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
**Lessons from the Gospel**
Today's Gospel reading is long—it begins with Judas' Betrayal in Matthew 26, goes through the entire chapter of Matthew 27, and ends after Jesus' Burial. Two thoughts came to me. First, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny him three times before the cock crows. Of course, Peter strongly denied that. Then it happened exactly as foretold, and Peter remembered Jesus' word and began to weep bitterly. Have you ever broken down like this after realizing that you have let the Lord down? If not, you may need to grow closer to him. Second, Pilate knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests and elders wanted to get Jesus crucified. When negative emotions take over, people lose their conscience and become ungodly. It's important that we remain submissive and in tune with the Lord to keep our hearts and minds pure at all times.
***Secret of God's Love***
Today is Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. We began outside the church, hearing the Gospel read from Matthew 21 on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Then we walked in procession into the church carrying palms to begin Mass. I felt God's overwhelming love for us . . . so powerful, so beautiful, so generous and merciful! Yet this love is also most kind and not intrusive, for our free will can easily reject it. Here the Lord tests us. Accept his love and we are saved; reject it and we are doomed.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
***A Warning Reminder***
Life on earth for us is extremely short. Against eternity, its duration is practically zero. Let's say it lasts just one nanosecond for convenience' sake. In this nanosecond, if we choose to believe in Christ, we gain eternal life; and if we don't, we are lost for good! Christ exists forever, but the chance for us to secure our salvation through him does not.
Friday, March 27, 2026
**Beautiful Consecration**
Watch the full Benediction and Consecration of the United States for it's 250th anniversary at this year's Catholic Prayer For America Gala on Thursday March 19, Feast of St. Joseph.
***Sure Thing**
When you love God and persevere through the trials he sends for his glory, you emerge stronger and holier than ever!
**Need to Surrender to Christ***
Verse 10b from today's Reading 1 from Jeremiah 20 says: All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. "Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him." In the Gospel reading from John 10, the Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus for what they considered to be blasphemy and tried to arrest him. We see that evil has existed since humanity was created; all the more, we need to surrender to Christ to keep our souls safe forever.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
**Pleasure vs. True Joy**
We derive pleasure from the world, but only God can give true joy. Delicious food, beautiful music, a good massage—these are all external pleasures that make us feel good through our physical senses, which we can turn off if we so wish. But inner joy the Lord plants in our hearts bursts forth so overwhelmingly that it's impossible to suppress, directly enrapturing the soul.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
***What Pleases the Lord Most**
Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The readings from Psalm 40 and Hebrews 10 made it clear that the Lord did not desire sacrifices and oblations nor did he take pleasure in holocausts and sin offerings, but rather desired our obedience to his will. Seek to attain union with God through the Holy Eucharist first and you'll be able to to accomplish that.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
**Full Dependence on Holy Spirit**
In Luke 12, Jesus said to his disciples, "When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say." If you trust fully in the Lord, the Holy Spirit will teach you what to think, say, and do at all times!
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