A Free, Loving Relationship

        I realize that since God has given each of us a unique soul with free will, he never forces himself on us the way evil spirits take possession of a soul. The Lord will never makes us into his puppets or slaves. Even when we are in union with him, there is always interaction going on ~ we talk and listen to, or even argue with each other, continuing building up the loving relationship.

Love God Under Any Circumstances

        We may never experience visions or ecstasies, we may go through dark nights and not feel God's presence at all, we may win the lottery or lose our shirt, we may become seriously ill or be badly hurt by others...whatever happens, still God is to be loved, as he never stops loving us. 

Attaining Equanimity

        Before we know God, we basically live for ourselves. After we get to know him as love, we begin to live for him ~ the whole emphasis starts to shift. When we reach living fully for him alone, we attain perfect equanimity in the Lord. 

Being Linked to God

        Communion experience. As I received the Holy Eucharist, I knew that I was going to be directly linked to God. This is a strong, inseverable link originated by God to connect to my soul. I am now his sheep, his branch, and his child. There is nothing I lack.

Christ Is the Way

        Today is the Feast of St. Stephen, first martyr. Here is my fourth realization of the day. Stephen was tried before the Sanhedrin, condemned, and stoned to death by a mob. I see clearly that any other way of living other than for Christ is dead-end, leaving you with no peace in both this and the next life. If you live for Christ and even die as a martyr, you are still assured of peace in the next life.     

Staying Dry and Safe

        Before Mass began this morning, I visualized the following picture. All things of the world, including all the people and what they did and are doing are like a running stream flowing swiftly downstream. They pass by and are gone forever. Since I am with the Lord, I am standing on a bridge overlooking this stream going under me. I say to myself that I certainly don't wish to be part of this stream, rushing onward to oblivion.

Secret of True Happiness

        Another early morning realization. My roof is leaking again, ruining quite a bit of the interior wall. A couple of other things around the house are not working either. I realized that one should be happy with a roof over his head, enough food on the table, a car good enough for transportation, etc. Anything in excess is unnecessary and uncalled-for. Contentment in God is the secret of true happiness. 

Letting Disappointment Be Bygones

        Early this morning, the Lord made me see that no matter how I feel or wish and what I do, he is in charge of the whole situation. Therefore, if I follow his will, then I will not ever be disappointed.  

Speak Little and Suffer Much

        The Guardian Angel of St Gemma dictated to her: "Remember, my child, that whoever loves Jesus speaks little and suffers much. I command you, in the name of Jesus, never to give your opinion unless it is asked, never to hold to your opinion but to yield. When you have committed any fault, acknowledge it immediately, and do not wait until you are taxed with it." A challenging lesson in humility for sure.

Do We Have Room for Jesus?

        At Christmas Eve Mass, Pope Benedict XVI asked a pressing question: Will people find room in their hectic, technology-driven lives for children, the poor and God? At this Christmas time especially, how much room do we make for the Lord? It is a question we must face, reflect upon and answer to order to find peace and salvation. Are we like the innkeeper who had no room for the birth of Jesus to take place? In that case, Mary had to take Jesus elsewhere to be born. I say, let Jesus take up all of the room in us, then we'll have him forever with us, making us truly temples of the Holy Spirit.