At the end of Mass just before I was about to get up and leave, a little girl entered the church with her mother and headed straight toward the altar. She went behind the railing and knelt right in front of the tabernacle and prayed, her two little hands pressed perfectly together. Outside as I walked toward my parked car, I saw a homeless woman, almost totally hidden behind her dark, hooded cloak, pushing a loaded cart. As she passed the front of the church, she paused, turned, and genuflected reverently. These two both pleased the Lord that morning.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Called to Enjoy the Lord
During Liturgy of the Eucharist at last Friday's Mass, I became acutely aware that the priest was exactly following the instructions of Christ during consecration of the bread and wine.
When I was about to receive the Eucharist, I knew that the Lord was already in me and I was going to receive him just for the sheer joy of union. Yes, we are called to enjoy the Lord.
Door to Freedom
The door to freedom is surrender to God. Out of pure love, God wants to capture us. So when we surrender, we perfectly fulfill his will. And when we perfectly fulfill his will, we become free!
The Same Love
God loves us with his pure, holy love. And because of it, we love him back and others. It is the same love that originated with God and gets spread around and passed on by his people. It is this love that makes us become detached to the world.
Shedding Unwholesome Relationships
The healthiest wholesome relationship only exists between God and us. It is based upon agape, the unconditional, unselfish love Jesus has demonstrated by his life and death. This is the standard by which all other relationships are to be judged. Too many people are emotionally involved with others (even with their pets or other inanimate objects) in unwholesome ways. Such unhealthy, improper relationships must be shed if you ever wish to grow holier.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
An Announcement & Message
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 6, the Lord gave some great teaching. It's about doing good in secret. "When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing..." pretty much sums it up. Basically, we are to please God alone and seek his acceptance and approval only. Humility comes into play again. The bottom line is that we need to be humble always.
Due to an important family event scheduled for the weekend, I'll be away for the next four days. Since blogging depends upon computer accessibility and the Holy Spirit, I do not know when I'll post next. I know that this blog is not for everyone. If you are a kindred spirit, you would enjoy reading it. A nonbeliever may or may not be interested in reading all this spiritual stuff, depending upon where he/she is at on his/her spiritual journey. If you think that reading these posts would benefit someone spiritually, I hope that you will forward them for the glory of God. I shall remember you all in my prayers. God is always present and forever loving us.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Jesus Heals the Soul
A thought after Holy Communion. Many doctors can heal the body, but only Jesus heals the soul.
Inseparability from the Lord
The word "inseparable" is extra beautiful when you and Jesus become inseparable. Today's Communion verse from Psalm 27 partially echoes that sentiment: "One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." When you receive the Lord in Holy Communion, that inseparability is sealed one more time.
Addressing Jesus
Suppose you see Jesus today ~ how would you address him?
I love the response of Thomas when he finally saw the resurrected Jesus: "My Lord and my God." Then Peter said to the Lord: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." I am also deeply moved when I hear the refrain sung in the song You Are My God: "For you are my God. You alone are my joy; defend me, O Lord." The melody is beautiful as well. It just got into my mind this morning that should I see Jesus, I would say to him: "You are the Word of Life."
Spiritual Progress Measured
I mentioned once that when I first read the spiritual classic The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis many years ago, I felt uncomfortable because I was still my own man, with not much humility in me. Now I want to be like Jesus. I read the book again and loved it ~ a clear sign that I have grown and progressed spiritually. The Lord has mercifully and graciously nurtured me in all these intervening years. Cause for rejoicing.
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