Vision Comes First

        Not many realize that vision is indispensable for survival. We must look beyond this life in order to survive in the next. Once that's settled, then we can settle down to live in the present in peace. 

God in Full Charge

        Today is the Memorial of St. Dominic. The Psalm response came from Deuteronomy 32.39: It is I who deals with death and give life. Indeed, we didn't plan our own birth and don't know when we'll die. Our life is only a brief interval between birth and death, so how can we say that we are in control of our life? God is and should be in charge all the way. In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 16, Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." This is precisely the counsel we need.      

Stopping Short

        People claim they believe in God, but when it comes to forgiving someone, they often won't do it and would even take revenge. In other words, they stop following Christ if someone crosses a line they've drawn. This is disbelieving that God can change you. Limiting God's love, mercy, and ability to accomplish anything is being rebellious, showing the lack of faith and trust in him. No lines should ever be drawn between you and God. 

Hearing God Speak

        God wants to speak to us, but we must be ready and willing to listen for his voice. Today's busy and hectic life prevents us from hearing God's gentle and quiet voice. We need to turn inward to hear him, for he speaks to the heart. If you'll remain still and open, you will find messages placed in your heart. Patience is required as God follows his own timetables, but waiting only makes hearing from him all the more sweeter.     

Worst Burden of Life

        Once you are in union with Christ, carrying any cross for him is no longer a heavy burden. But if you commit a sin, you would feel like your heart is being tortured and the burden can become crushing. 

Who's Naive?

         Those who don't know God think that we who have faith in God are naive for easily believing in some God to make ourselves feel secure. On the contrary, I think nonbelievers are naive because they unknowingly look for God here and there, hoping that they would run into something to make them permanently happy. 

Love Wonderful

       From us, God desires mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6.6; Matthew 9.13, 12.7). Let love motivate all that you say, think, and do, sacrifice included. Love is to be our power source, so that we can be like God. It's wonderful that God being love sets a kind of standard for the whole universe, making it clear that everything is to exist by love. I just can't think of a more perfect standard to uphold. Our God is just wonderful.

Delightful and Sweet

        Communion experience. Wisdom 16.20, today's Communion antiphon: You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven, endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste. Indeed, the Lord was delightful and tasted most sweet, and I felt complete contentment.

No Greater Loss

        During Eucharistic Prayer at Mass this morning, I knew that Jesus is my answer. Sadly, I thought of those who do not look for him, for there is no greater loss than missing him forever. Have him now and you'll have him forever.

Casting the Holy Spirit Aside

        Worrying is an ugly form of nosiness. It pessimistically projects things that have not happened yet. Therefore, when you worry, you're casting the Holy Spirit aside. Optimistic projection of things that have not happened, while not as bad as worrying, is nevertheless also being out of sync with the Holy Spirit. The one who's with the Spirit does not project into the future; he simply trusts in God every moment in peace.