The Truly Beautiful

        The media love to talk about the so-called beautiful people in our world.  They are usually the rich and the famous, making headlines and getting featured in the media.  Often, lists of the best dressed, the sexiest, or the most beautiful pop up.  And there are beauty contests held around the world (I think that to be totally fair, the contestants should not be allowed to use any makeup). 

        Now, let's talk about the truly beautiful people, beautiful before the Lord, that is.  They are simply those who love the Lord and reflect the beauty of his love.  No external glitz can possibly hold a candle to God's beauty.       

          

It's All God's Doing

        Thoughts received following Communion.
        (1) I am totally worthless before the Lord; I am absolutely nothing.
        (2) Then God makes me worthy and it's all his doing.
        (3) Therefore, I should let him do whatever he pleases with me.
      

What Did You Go Out to See?

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 7, Jesus asked the crowds about John the Baptist "what did you go out to see" three times.  This question made me remember that in the past I had gone to see many shows, attend concerts, and even check out Time Square on New Year's Eve.  I now realize that I should let Jesus alone be my drawing card and look for him in all my brothers and sisters.  Looking for all other things would simply be a waste of time.

Calling and Mission

        Thoughts received during prayer before Mass this morning. 

        (1) Calling (for all followers of the Lord): To become light of the world.
        (2) Mission: To bring others to Christ, the Truth.

No Other God

        Today's first Mass reading from Isaiah 45 starts out: "I am the LORD, there is no other..."

        Recently, I recited the Apostles' Creed as if it was my very first time and I was amazed by the extraordinary things stated, especially those about Jesus Christ.  Reading about him in the Gospels, I see that he just came to us, meek and humble, loving others as himself to the very end of his earthly life.  It's as if he just followed a prescribed plan, not seeking for one moment his own glory.  Indeed, there is no other like him.

        Another thing I see.  In believing in him, we can become nothing and then be filled with all of God ~  a thorough spiritual transformation of the self.  I don't see this in any other faith in the world.

Our Only Role

        Another thought for today.  God is everything and we are nothing.  Therefore, our role, the only thing left for us to do, is to believe and obey.  Consequently, let's seize every opportunity to give God glory. 

Charity Starts at Home

        Often those who are closest to us we offend easily ~ that's because they are close to us and we take them for granted.  It's good to share our feelings and opinions openly with each other, but we can easily forget that the other person, most often the spouse, is a person with feelings too.  It's usually the way how things are said that's at fault.  We do much better with others not so close to us.  It's a big realization for me that I must let charity start at home before loving others outside of my home.   

Profit from Our Sins

        My first thought today is that once we realize that we have sinned, we should not feel depressed; instead we should turn immediately to God to repent and ask for forgiveness and healing.  See this as an opportunity to become holier and forge a closer relationship with God once more. 

Follow God's Timetable

        God has his timetable for us and for all things.  Of course, we mess it up by not paying attention and sinning against him.  For us followers, we must be patient and alert at the same time.  Patient so that we don't rush ahead of the Holy Spirit, and alert so that we are ready to move when the Holy Spirit so directs.  Follow God's timetable for us and we'll be in step with the him at all times.   

Change Yourself by Yourself?

        Try to change yourself with determination by yourself and you will always experience a struggle, with the ego involved right there in the midst of your battle.  The easy way is to humbly call upon the Lord to do the work for you and you'll succeed brilliantly in peace and freedom.