In Luke 17, Jesus taught the apostles about this. He said to them, “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” We are to serve the Lord single-mindedly and not expect to be rewarded. This is an excellent way to practice being humble and selfless. (Psst! Our reward will be great in heaven!)
Thursday, December 14, 2023
**On Giving to Charities
This is not so simple nowadays. Giving smaller amounts to individuals who need help is not much of a problem. But giving larger amounts to an organization is altogether different. First of all, you want to make sure that the charity is an honest one. Secondly, you want to know the percentage of your contribution that will reach those you want to help. 15%? 90%? It could make a big difference. Then there are charities which actually promote causes that go against the teachings of the Church in some way—this is not always obvious. Last, is the charity truly short of funds at this time? To learn about all these things takes time and effort. How to give is another consideration. Depending upon your financial status, doing it the wrong way could result in paying a lot more taxes to the government. Of course, giving is a duty of each Christian, as we know that all we have comes from the Lord and we are to help others. So we need to pray and seek much guidance and discernment in fulfilling this duty.
**Repaying the Lord*
Today is the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, one of my favorite Carmelite saints. Christ got himself crucified so that we might become anew, free from sin. It is entirely proper and logical that we get our old selves crucified so that we do become anew and sinless.
*****Most Fulfilling Personal Experience
I have always loved receiving the Holy Eucharist. But in the early years, it's more like fulfilling your duty as a Catholic. Fast forward to the present. Now it's a true encounter daily with my Lord, my God, and my most beloved.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
***Sign of Hope
Do you know that there has been public worship held on the streets in various European cities this year? This is a beautiful thing. Here's a recent one from Amsterdam. Praise Jesus, for he is our Savior and hope!
**Greatest Fulfillment and Achievement
Communion experience. Receiving the Lord is being fulfilled to the max. It can also be considered our greatest life achievement by the grace of God.
**Becoming Strong when You're Weak
As we age, we increasingly sense our physical weakness. Why not take advantage of that? Anytime we feel weak physically, mentally, or in any other aspect, see it as an opportunity for us to rely on the Lord even more so as to become strong spiritually. What could be better than growing holier and older at the same time?
*****A Serious Warning!*****
The Church is the body of Christ. Breaking up the Church is a most grave sin, and that's happening right now. The Magisterium has so far caused much confusion and sown discord among the faithful. Satan has infiltrated the Church for some time and is now working harder than ever to destroy her. But the Lord is not going to let that happen. Still, things could worsen before that get better. We are in some sort of end times for sure. We need to pray harder than ever with so many souls at stake. It's commitment time!
***No Limit to What We Can Accomplish!*
The Lord God is infinitely powerful and we have instant access to him. So do not limit him nor ourselves. There is so much we can accomplish in glorifying him in this life! Start out by letting him make you holy.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
***Happy with Myself
Communion experience. I was happy that the Lord could perfect me. This made me happy with myself.