In this morning's Gospel reading from John, Jesus actually prayed to the Father that his disciples might be one as he and the Father are one. Jesus actually protected and guarded them so that none were lost. And he wanted them to share his joy completely. He asked the Father to keep them from the Evil One, consecrated them, and even consecrated himself for them. As one of his disciples, I just feel absolutely safe in his protection and secure under his watch.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Total Immersion in God
Don't just test the water with your fingertip or dip only your hand in it. If that water is the Lord our God, jump all the way in and let it cleanse, soothe, and heal you.
Surrender Unceasingly
This morning during prayer before Mass, the sacrament of holy orders came into my mind. I could picture those ready to be ordained lying prostrate on the ground in total submission. And I thought that it would be nice to submit ourselves like that before we think each thought, say each word, and perform each deed. This would be a great way to practice surrendering to God. Like praying unceasingly, we also surrender unceasingly.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Reason to Believe in Jesus
From John 16, today's Gospel reading, we learn that the disciples, having seen the many wonders Jesus had performed, heard his many discourses, and discovered that Jesus knew everything, finally came to believe that he came from God. I have not met Jesus in person, but this testimony from the disciples is plenty good enough for me to believe likewise.
God Is Awesome
This morning as I kneeled and prayed facing the altar before Mass began, I trembled because I sense the awesomeness of God. This is the God whose magnificence, beauty, generosity, and mercy are beyond our comprehension. I was overwhelmed, yet there was no fear as his love came right through. With such an awesome Father, we can surely become awesome as children too.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Love to Reign in the Heart
At Communion time this morning at Mass, I desired Love to reign completely in my heart, dispelling all of me. Jesus heard me and gave me great peace.
Trust, not Question
The word for me today is "trust." I have been praying faithfully for a number of people to come back to the Church or to accept Christ as savior. So far I have not yet seen any clear changes of the heart. I looked to the Lord and he let me see that my role is to trust and not question. Most of those I pray for are of younger ages than I, so it's possible that I may not even see their return or conversion in my lifetime. That's OK. I am to keep on trusting in God's mercy always.
Friday, June 3, 2011
To Be Joy or Sorrow to God
In my last posting, I pointed out that the Lord is our joy. Then because of his great love for us, we can be his joy too. We learn from the parable of the prodigal son how his return brought such great joy to the father. Jesus also told us that there would be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents. If we can affect God this much, then naturally, we can easily bring him great sorrow too by sinning against him. Such is the "power" we have over God ~ we can touch, move, or break the heart of God. The choice is ours.
Jesus Is Our Joy
Entrance verse at today's Mass from Matthew 25.34: "Come, you whom my Father has blessed. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world." Hearing this brings great joy to the heart! In today's Gospel reading from John 16, Jesus said to his disciples: "Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." The Lord wants us to be happy. How can we not rejoice when we realize that he loves us so much and that he always wants the best for us (what can be better than eternal life in heaven?) Any time we think about the Lord, ponder upon his mercy, pray to him, or receive him in the Holy Eucharist, we should be like the infant John the Baptist in the womb of his mother Elizabeth leaping for joy at the approach of Mary with Jesus in her womb. Yes, Jesus is our Joy!
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