In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 13, Jesus taught his disciples thus: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." An appropriate question: How much is the kingdom of heaven worth to you?
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Prayer Motivation
I prayed for an "enemy" today, someone who's been against me. It's clear that the Lord wanted me to pray for his salvation, but then I also detected in the background that I was hoping that he wouldn't turn against me anymore. Aha, I caught myself again. A reminder that when we pray, we should do it for the glory of God alone and not to have things turn out to suit us, unless what suits us is clearly also for the glory of God.
Prayer Coverage
Today I recall some of the things I haven't been praying for because I more or less accepted the status quo or thought that they were less urgent, but the Holy Spirit showed me that I should not forget them and that to think nothing is going to change is to give up hope, limiting God's mercy. Therefore, I should pray for everything that's deposited in my heart and not pick and choose "favorites."
On God Being with Us
Jesus told his disciples that he would be with them always, until the end of the age. So we know that God is with us, but what does that really mean? I believe it means a lot more than just seeing what we are up to. The Lord created us, so he knows all about us. He knew us before we were born and knew all our thoughts before we express them. Our hearts are totally exposed to him. He is personal and intimate. Therefore, when he is with us, he watches over us every moment and supports us every step of our way. This is one amazing aspect of God.
Friday, July 22, 2011
God Has the Right
Still at the chapel after Mass, I became aware that God created me at the beginning and he should have the right to mold me in any way he wishes. Therefore, I should always remain pliant and never rebel.
Christ's Love Overwhelming
During contemplation after Mass, the beauty and goodness of Christ moved me to tears. Everything else couldn't be further from my mind during those moments. I just wanted all of me to be dissolved by his love.
Jesus Will Always Be with Us!
In the Gospel from John 20 today, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed. She wept because she thought others had taken Jesus from the tomb and now she didn't know where they put him. A most touching scene. Then I thought of us. We are just so fortunate that we know exactly where the Lord is now and that he'll always be with us and that we'll always have him ~ cause for great rejoicing!
Same Father and God for All
Today is the Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene. Here's the Entrance verse from John 20: "The Lord said to Mary Magdalene: Go and tell my brothers that I shall ascend to my Father and your Father, to my God and to your God." It's just so good to hear that we and the Lord share the same Father and the same God ~ we are one big family all along. Rejoice and rejoice.
Ego, the Obstacle
Before morning Mass during prayer, I saw that the ego is like a weight inside us. If we just drop it, then our soul will be free to soar upward to God.
Choose God's Ways
So far I've read 2/3 of The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich, Vol. 1, a book 600 pages long. What inspires me most were her obedience, meekness, and humility. This morning I wondered how the world would eye Christ, should he show up meek and humble in every way. Probably not very well at all. Then we have St. John the Baptist who, aware how mighty and exalted Christ was, deemed himself not even worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. What a contrast! God's ways are certainly not our ways ~ let's humbly choose God's ways always.
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