Be Meek and Humble First

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus refers to himself as being meek and humble of heart.  Of course, his whole life bore witness to that.  So, if we are to imitate the Lord and become like him, we must learn to be meek and humble ~ it's absolutely required.  What's most necessary also happens to be most difficult to acquire.  Then again, the Holy Spirit can make it easy for us.  Where we fall short, God can achieve.  What an opportunity for us to place our trust in God here! 

The Lord Watches over Us

        I started reading the works of Elizabeth of Schonau, a German Benedictine nun of the 12th century.  She received many divine visions of heaven.  I am now increasingly aware that we here on earth can only see and feel to the extent what our physical senses reveal to us.  It's as if there is a one-way mirror around us ~ we cannot see what's on the other side, but God and all other creatures in heaven can clearly see us, blessing us, protecting us, or answering our prayers.  The Holy Spirit is always in action.  Our faith should include this awareness.  We are well watched over by our loving Lord.     

The Secret of Entering God

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus tells how the Father has revealed things hidden from the wise and the learned to the childlike.  I've always noticed that there are usually more women than men at Mass in churches all around the world ~ perhaps men are less likely to become childlike?  Anyway, before the Lord this is the attitude to assume.  You may already be wise and learned, but you can still be childlike.  Realize that when we go before the Lord, all our intelligence and knowledge don't count at all ~ we must start over by becoming empty and receptive like a child.  This is the secret of entering God.

Most Rewarding Job

        Jesus wants us to accumulate treasure in heaven, not on this earth.  Every will of the Lord is a treasure.  By doing it we are being obedient.  Every thought, every word, every intention, every move, every gesture... makes a difference because the Lord sees everything.  Loving and serving him at all times is the most rewarding job you can have in this life. 

The Greatness of God

        God is so loving, so merciful, so understanding, and so good.  At the same time, he is all-powerful, all-wise, all-knowing... ~ indeed, nothing is impossible with him.  When I realize such infinite greatness, I can only throw up my hands and surrender, believe, worship, and follow with all my heart, all my mind, all my strength, and all my soul.  Asking any questions is totally out of place. 

The Lord Renews

        One thing I love about the Lord is that no matter what kind of condition I may be in, he can renew me.  When I let him, he constantly makes me into a new (better) person.  The hope is always there, so goodbye to despair and grief.  Every time I receive Holy Communion, the Holy Spirit transforms me into a person more like the Lord.   

All or Nothing with God

        I've been "accused" of being not easygoing because it's usually all or nothing with me.  There are Catholics who are not like that and believe in or accept only those teachings they think are true.  The problem is that if they are right, they would be believing in a Church that's not 100% correct.  Either way, they end up wrong.

        For an all-or-nothing person like me, I don't have this problem.  At least if I am right, then I am right. 

Jesus Restores Happiness

        I saw myself in a mirror this morning.  When you look at yourself, it's good to ask if you see a person that is truly happy.  If not, then you probably have been shaped too much by the world and need Jesus to lift you up.  As St. Bonaventure explains: "Happiness is nothing other than the enjoyment of the highest good.  Since the highest good is above, no one can be made happy unless he rises above himself.  But we cannot rise above ourselves unless a higher power lifts us up.  Divine aid is needed, and is available to those who seek it from their hearts humbly and devoutly through prayer."   

Preparing to Bear Fruit

        Today's Gospel reading is from Matthew 13, the parable of the sower, given by the Lord describing how various people receive or react to the word of the kingdom.  My own reaction is to open myself completely to him, to be receptive to his word, letting him sow or pluck whatever he wishes in my heart.  The soil must be properly prepared before it can bear fruit and yield manyfold.

         

How Not to Judge Others

        Jesus tells us not to judge others.  Can we form opinions about them?  Can we criticize them constructively?  Can we correct our brothers and sisters for their own good?  I believe that the answer is yes to all these questions if we do it without diminishing our love for them.  If someone bothers or disturbs us and we look down on or even feel less compassion for the person, then that's judging.  It follows that if we don't judge, we retain our inner peace.  This, I believe, is the way the Lord intends.