In Luke 14, Jesus told this parable. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” This much I know. If we humble ourselves every chance we get, we'll be exalted to enter heaven for sure.
Friday, December 15, 2023
*****Greatest Possible Blessing*****
Communion experience. I get to consume the Lord, having him dwell within me! This is even better than seeing or touching him. To me, receiving the Eucharist and becoming one with the Lord is the greatest blessing I can possibly receive in this life. It means that he has chosen me and granted me eternal life—there is nothing more to want.
**Spinning the Truth
in today's Gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus said to the crowds: "To what shall I compare this generation? . . . For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'" Guess of whom does Jesus' description of his generation remind me? Ans. Today's leftist politicians and the fake new media—they are "experts" at spinning the truth.
***On Consecience
God has given each of us a conscience. As a result, we all know what's good or righteous and what's bad or evil. When a person sins, it's only because his conscience has gotten dull or muddy from excluding God to a certain degree; deep down he still knows and loses his peace. So it's critical important to develop a super sharp conscience for us to remain holy. In reality, conscience and holiness are intertwined. When you seek union with God through the Holy Eucharist, these two improve hand in hand.
***Understanding God***
God is our Father in heaven who loves us and wants us to have peace now and joy for all eternity later—a simple truth. If you are still an unbeliever, cast your pride aside temporarily and look into it. Should you find that Christ and his teachings are all baloney, you can always go on your own and do whatever you want with yourself. But be honest with yourself always.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
***Super Food***
Communion experience. This is the only food capable of melting my heart and my soul to merge my spirit with the Lord's.
***Wondrous Life*****
When you are amazed by the Lord's wondrousness, you are excited about him. This is the way it should be. Pay attention to all the things around you and you can see marvels everywhere, not just when you look at the majestic mountains or the night sky filled with infinite stars. Most of all, there's the wondrous Lord dwelling within you when you are in union with him! A Christian shouldn't have a single dull moment in life.
***Attitude of a Servant***
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!)
**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.