Exceptional Prayer

        God does not always answer our prayer exactly as we had expected, but there's one exception ~ that is when we pray to become a saint.

Viewing Jesus Correctly

        Some people have difficulty believing in Jesus because they view him as a man. Seeing him being so different from the usual men, they are puzzled. Of course, he was a man, but also God. If you can see that, then everything clicks into place. Looking beyond the man, you see clearly God at work.

Letting God Do His Job

        At the beginning of Mass this morning, I desired the Lord to break me into a million pieces, sift out what should not be present in me, and put me together again. I do realize that this has to be continuous desiring on my part so long as I am still a human on this earth. 

How Enemies Are Treated

        Those who are evil take delight in trampling upon their enemies, while those who love God enjoy peace in forgiving and praying for their enemies.

Love Your Enemies!

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus teaches his disciples to love their enemies. This strikes me as a revelation, for the teaching goes against our grain ~ so he must be revealing how he views us. It follows that we must think as he does. 

On Finding God

        After watching a short clip of the Bill Maher show on YouTube, these thoughts came to me. In searching for God, questioning at the beginning is fine as long as it's done with an open, unbiased mind. But questioning must cease at some point and let faith take over ~ this is a normal, logical process. It's clear that those who never stop questioning will never find God, since they are not aware of their finite (or rather, infinite) limitations. Back to "only the humble will find God." 

A Suggestion

        Since nothing is impossible for God, aim for what seems to be impossible for you now, such as becoming a saint.

On Poor Conscience

        A poor or muddy conscience is worse than no conscience. The possessor of such a conscience mainly uses it to soothe himself, but the guilt remains, and he remains being a fool. 

The Ultimate "Ask"

        Today's Gospel reading came from Matthew 7, and the Communion Antiphon was the 8th verse: Everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. It just shows that God hears us and cares for us. Here's one "ask" to cover all other asks: "Lord, draw me into full union with you."

Why Receive the Holy Eucharist?

        Worst reason first: because everyone else at Mass receives it (not even considering if you are in a state of grace or not).

              Best reason: because you love Jesus and want to be one with him.