How to Shine in the World

        To be a shining light in this dark world as Christ had commanded, let everything you do be motivated by the love of Christ.  (If you are already in love with him, then you must already be doing it.) 

In Love with God

        When you are in love with God, you become attached to him alone; you think of him constantly; and you care foremost what makes him happy or sad.  This is an elevated state of living.



To Be Open and Honest to God

        Today's Gospel reading from John 3 again reminds us that Jesus is the light that came into the world.  Whoever lives the truth goes toward the light so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.  Having not done wicked things, he can confidently lay his heart open before the light, making a full disclosure.  This is the basis for forming a good, honest relationship with God ~ nothing hidden and everything shared.    



Seeking Refuge in God

        In general, people turn to God when they face crises.  But it would be so much better to do it every time your interior peace is disturbed.  This would provide plenty of opportunities for us to show our trust and to get close to him.  This is truly seeking refuge in the Lord.   

To Be Wanted or Not

        Bin Laden was finally killed.  A lot of people are joyful and many consider this to be a great victory for this country.  I am not going to comment on this.  I am only concerned about if the Lord is happy about this or not.  I remember the ten commandments he gave us, and how he loves all of us.  I know how the whole heaven rejoices when one sinner returns to the Father and saddens if one single soul is lost. 

        Bin Laden had been the most wanted man.  No one would want to be in that position.  Then I think of the unborn unwanted by so many ~ they are in an even worse position.  Perhaps the best position to be in is to remain unnoticed in this world.  Well, we are all most wanted by God ~ let's not forget.  This puts us in the luckiest position. 

Lord, What Do You Want to Do with Me?

        This is the key question that matters.  I believe that the Lord wants us to please him alone.  Despite our inadequacies, born deficiencies, and any other disadvantages, let the Lord prune our imperfections, spiritual flaws, and all that's not desirable to him from us.  Let his will be done to us.

Inadequacy Is OK

        Today my own inadequacy in a certain situation showed up.  I realized that only God is perfect and there were no doubt many others who could have done a much job better than I in the same situation.  I am glad that pride was not able to intrude upon me.

To Have Jesus Is to Have Everything

        Since I won't be able to attend Mass tomorrow morning, I went to today's Vigil Mass.  This was a thought I had during Mass, which is fitting on this last day of April: "There is nothing I can claim to be mine except Jesus.  Once I have him, then I have everything as well." 

God Is Dependable

      In these last couple of days, I've been especially sensing that God knows exactly what he is doing and that he is a perfect guide to us.  Therefore, I can totally depend upon him and let myself go in following him.

Jesus Offers Himself

        Thought during Communion.  When Jesus offered himself to me during the  Eucharistic Prayer, he was literally saying, "I am yours."