**Day of Greatest Joy

        Today's entrance antiphon, Hebrews 9.15: Christ is mediator of a new covenant so that by means of his death, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. When we inherit something, it's not because we have earned it; we receive it because of our special relationship with the benefactor. When you respond to the call the heavenly Father, you become an adopted son or daughter of his, an heir! Thus, one day you will inherit all he has to give you. That will be a day of your greatest joy. Just thinking about it should expunge all the blues from your heart.

**Playing Chess With God

       I see everyone of us playing chess with God. God has already made his move and is waiting you to move against him. But in this game, after you move God simply retreats, for he has already decided to let you capture him to win. So make your move now before the time set runs out.

Personal Private Universe

        Communion experience. Let the Lord dwell within you and he creates a personal universe for you to live in, enjoying your union with him in great intimacy. 

*One True Freedom

        In today's Gospel reading from John 8, Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." "Freedom" sounds like a beautiful word, but not all freedoms are good. For example, freedom of speech invariably leads to disorder and freedom to chose abortion is purely evil. All these freedoms enslave us, for they allow us to sin. Therefore, the only freedom that truly sets us free is freedom from sin. Let Jesus take our sins away and we are free. Remain as one with him and we continue to remain free.

Overview of the Spiritual Warfare

        Some thoughts following the last post on the life-or-death situation we are in. The spiritual war goes on between God and Satan, but we are really engaged in a war with ourselves. One part of us tells us to follow God and the other part, to follow ourselves – this is the fundamental struggle that goes on within us. Although God will overcome the evil one in the end, the outcome of our personal battle directly affects God's success. To not help the Lord who is on our side is to help his enemy who is also our enemy.

*In a Life-or-Death Situation

      A dear friend's brother just passed away. He was a most devout Catholic to his last day, but none of his children today has any faith. It shows how divided our world is, how evil has infiltrated the world. Be aware that we are right in the middle of a fierce and ferocious warfare! Every single one of us is in the battlefield. If we do not choose God to fight against evil, we shall surely die. There is not a moment to waste. 

*Holy Communion to Be Cherished*

        Communion thoughts. There are life experiences we always remember and cherish. Receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist should be such an experience. After the Lord has personally entered to be consumed by you, how can you possibly walk right out of Church after Mass and instantly revert yourself to the same old you? You have passed up the most intimate prayer time you can spend with the Lord! Let every Communion draw you closer to union with him to make you more perfect and beautiful. Take the Lord seriously so that he may take you seriously.

**Three Stages of Spiritual Life

        (1) You do not know God. (2) You find Christ and believe in him. (3) You submit yourself to himself totally and attain union with him. 

       You are saved when you reach stage 2, but I do believe that when you advance to stage 3, you definitely reduce or possibly eliminate your time in purgatory. 

*Horrible State to Avoid

        In today's Gospel reading from John 8, Jesus said to the Jews, "If you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." "To die in one's sins" is a horrible thought! Sins are abhorrent to God, so to be in sin is to get repelled by God. Therefore, be sure to have the Lord cleanse you of your sins at all times, for you do not know the time of your death.

*Letting God Draw Us

        John 12.32: Jesus says, "When I am lifted up from the earth; I will draw everyone to myself." Because Jesus loves us, he wants to draw everyone to him. Certainly he would want to draw us all the way to be one with him, for the Lord is always thorough, committed, total, and complete. Let him draw you and you will also receive a bonus, eternal life in heaven.