Serving the Wrong Master

        Today's societies are money-centered. The goal of almost everyone is to become rich, so they make money off each other and love is forgotten. In an ideal God-centered society, love would be our only motive. If we would just let love override our money-making decisions, we would have a much more peaceful world to live in. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Let's listen to him. 

Going After Jesus

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 4 at Mass, we heard that Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law who was afflicted with a severe fever and cured all those brought to him who were sick with various diseases. At daybreak the next day, the crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. This is the Lord I also want to follow and to be with, forever. In my case, I am aware that it's his drawing that makes me want to go after him.

Awesome Holiness

        I don't dare look at God the Father, not because he is severe and might punish me, but because I am totally awed by his holiness. Nevertheless, I know that one day he will pick me up and press me against him and I'll be only aware of his love.

Endearing Love

        The Father watches over us; the Son befriends us as our way, our truth, and our life; and the Holy Spirit prepares and guides us along our journey home ~ this is how God endears himself to us.

Undiscriminating Love

        As I was praying the 3rd decade of the Holy Rosary on the Descent of the Holy Spirit, I realized that God loves us all with no discrimination and the Holy Spirit will descend upon anyone who is receptive and yearns for him. The Holy Spirit cleanses and purifies us, preparing us for dwelling in the Lord, and anything in accordance with his will becomes possible with us.

On Patience

        Earlier today I thought of the many things to be done, some more important than others, but nothing was that important. What if I die today, right? Anyhow, I thought to myself: how nice it would be to get them all done. Then immediately I realized that I was trying to play god again by wanting it my way. The right thing to do is to let go and do each thing one at a time at the appropriate time without any anxiety. Yes, patience is a virtue and a sign of holiness.

Sole Occupation

        Communion experience. I let Jesus capture my heart and everything else was forgotten.

Fighting Temptation

        In the Lord's Prayer, we ask the Father not to lead us into temptation because temptation can directly lead us to sin seriously. It is like quicksand which can sink us fast if we do not take drastic action fast. I know people who are aware that they should not be in a certain situation, but feel completely helpless in getting out of it because they are already in the grip of temptation. Since all temptations start with a thought, the big advantage of being in union with God is that you are able to discern a sinful thought immediately, drop it from your mind, and turn to Jesus, thus nipping it in the bud and preserving your inner peace.     

Suffering Alleviated

        When you suffer physically, mentally, or spiritually, think of Jesus and Mary who had gone through everything! Then you will be comforted and find strength in bearing your sufferings.

Warning to the World

        The whole trouble with the world is that we want to be gods against God. John the Baptist, after testifying to Jesus said, "He must increase; I must decrease," and we are doing just the opposite! Consider the God/god ratio. For the perfect, that value should be infinity; but for the godless, it's now zero or near zero. The world must wake up or face condemnation that will make us wish that we had never been born.