We Need Jesus

        Saw part of "Wild Balkans" on PBS TV.  The sceneries with mountains, lakes, rivers, and colorful trees are just beautiful.  In the vast landscape, I could picture that any one of us in it, if visible, would just appear as a tiny dot, and sensed that this vulnerable creature definitely needed someone greater to rely upon for safety and protection.  And we have Jesus upon whom we can absolutely rely.  More than that, he also shows us the way to eternal happiness, make life full of meaning.     

Looking at Others

        If someone you know irks or bugs you, think of some of the good things or qualities about him/her (if you can't find any, you probably annoy other people too).  Most of all, remember that you are looking at a specimen that's created in the image of God and whom Jesus deeply loves.  

Run Around with Jesus Alone

        There is truth in sayings such as "We are what we think" and "We are what we eat."  It's also true that we are whom we keep company or run around with.  Just look at how kids turn out the way their parents behave.  In general, friends are a big influence upon us.  So, let's keep company or run around with Jesus alone so that we'll be like him.  Our reward will be that we become truthful to ourselves, enjoying interior peace and freedom.  

Holy Eucharist, Awesome Gift

        Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday, a day to begin a new spiritual life.  I asked the Holy Spirit to renew me once more, this time catching whatever needed to be renewed.  

        Today after I received Holy Communion at Mass, it was clear to me that if the consecrated bread and wine are truly the body and blood of Christ in substance, then without a question he must be divine.  This was an intuitive understanding.  On top of this, I was also receiving the soul and divinity of Christ as well, since they cannot be separated from his body and blood.  It's just awesome, awesome, awesome!         

What Total Giving Deserves

        Caught part of Scott Hahn's talk on Our Father's Plan on EWTN.  Again, I was reminded of the total giving from Jesus.  He offered himself on the cross for our salvation and gave us the Holy Eucharist, his true Body and Blood, for our sustenance.  This total giving deserves nothing short of total acceptance.  It calls for total union with God.  

The Christian Walk

        Today's Gospel reading comes from John 21.  When Peter asked Jesus what's going to happen to John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, Jesus essentially told Peter to mind his own business and follow him.  Indeed, our business is to just follow Jesus only and not get curious about others' businesses.  Not even concerns about ourselves!  Just follow the Lord single-mindedly and we'll always be heading in the right direction.  The opposite way is to wander off on our own and risk getting lost totally. 

How to Make What You Do Beautiful

        No matter what you do, if you  do it for the glory of God with love, the act becomes beautiful.  That's why everything Jesus did on earth was beautiful.  Heaven is beautiful because all who are up there glorify God, doing his will.

Ideal Match-up

        I was thinking about relationship this morning.  We all like to have friends who unconditionally love us, always understand and support us, and are most patient with us.  The only one that fits the bill is the Lord our God.  On the other hand, having made us to understand his love, God needs us to love him and spread his love around the world.  Thus, we have an ideal match-up here.  Let's work to establish this close relationship in this life, the only chance we've got.

Praying More Personally

        The Lord dwells within us.  I just feel so much more personal when I pray to the Father or Jesus or the Holy Spirit right within me.  (I don't even have to step outside.)

Joy Awaits Us

        The "J" in the name Jesus stands for "Joy" for me.  Jesus awaits me in heaven, and that's the same as "Joy awaits me."  There are sufferings to bear or go through in this life.  I had my share of sicknesses, injuries, and accidents; but when everything is well again, you forget the past.  In heaven, God will wipe away all our tears, so all trials and tribulations of this life will be forgotten completely.  Start rejoicing now.  Get emotional ~ that's OK with God.