Let God Alone Turn You On

        There are some who wouldn't attend a certain church because they do not like the priest there.  Apparently, all those messages heard during Mass about forgiving others, loving the unlovely, turning the other cheek,... from Jesus have not taken any effect in them.  People often "shop" for a church to their liking.  What if you go to all the churches and find that there's always something displeasing to you ~ does that mean that you won't go to church anymore?  The main reason for going to Mass is to meet and receive the Lord.  Thank God we have priests to give us Holy Communion.  Without them, there would be no Church.  They need our support, love, and appreciation.  Let God alone turn you on so that no one else will turn you off.    

Heart-to-Heart Affair

        It is through the heart that we come to know God.  An unclean heart keeps one away from God, while a pure heart is the conduit that connects us to God.  It is the pure heart that moves the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the heart of God.  We have a heart-to-heart affair here, so start living heart-to-heart with the Lord.  

Motive Matters

        Doing one little thing for God exclusively is more meritorious than doing a million things for just yourself.

Enjoy God

        During prayer after Mass, I keenly felt that God is me all in all, I am utterly dependant upon him, and I owe everything to his mercy and love.  Without him, I'd be a shambles, lost, and dead. 

        He was the one who made me love him, so I am going to enjoy him.   

"Never Say No to God"

        Before Mass this morning, I heard myself saying "Never say no to God" in my mind.  In the Gospel reading later from Luke 11, Jesus says, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."  It's clear that staying neutral would not be a good choice.  This is in line with Jesus' dislike for lukewarmness.  "Never say no to God" should take care of that.

Carry Your Own Cross

        This morning as I was praying the fourth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary, the Carrying of the Cross, I felt that the least we could do was to carry our own daily, little crosses, following the Lord with his big, heavy cross on his shoulder.  Know that every time we are not willing to carry a cross of our own, Jesus feels that extra weight on him.

Are You Your Own Obstacle?

        The way to eternal life is simple.  All you need to do is surrender yourself to God through Christ.  That's it!  The hard part is doing the part.  Guess what?  The only obstacle that stands in your way is yourself.  Basically, you face choosing either yourself or God.  It's simple all the way. 

The Holy Eucharist Again

        The Holy Eucharist is Jesus on earth and is to be worshiped, adored, reverenced, treasured, loved and appreciated.  It is the center of our faith.  Without it, there would be no real need to have priests and thus no Church.  Then why is receiving Holy Communion treated almost like an afterthought by so many?  Why isn't there more zeal and joy among the faithful (clergy included)?  Why are there so few on fire to serve the Lord?  Why do so many skip Mass?  Why  are most attendants at Mass elders (especially in some European countries)?  Why do so many Catholics ignore the teachings of the Church when they vote in elections?  Why are so many Catholics easily lured away by other denominations and sects?  These are all good questions.

        I personally believe that if the significance and the place of the Holy Eucharist is properly taught and understood by all, the above-mentioned problems will diminish or disappear.  To love the Holy Eucharist is to love Christ.    

Journey to Freedom

        Another realization that came to me was that people live for themselves in this world because they think that this is the only life to live.  If this were true, I don't blame them because I would do the same thing.  Once a person has come to know God and realize that there is definitely an eternal life after death, then he begins to live for God more and himself less.  It's all very logical.  The process could take time, but it's a journey to freedom. 

        

Look Within

        The Lord showed me today that even though external sources can give one much guidance and help, it's most profitable to searh within one's own heart first.  Look within your innermost self to see what you really desire, what really troubles you (if applicable), how you really feel.  Learn as much as you can about yourself, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart for you to see.  Be completely honest with yourself, then you'll be honest with the Lord too.