I love the Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary instituted by Pope John Paul II in 2002. I pray them on Saturdays, for to me they are closest to the Glorious Mysteries. (1) The Baptism in the Jordan. The Lord didn't need that, but he chose to go thru it like any one of us. This moves me very much. (2) The Wedding at Cana. Again, he was like any one of us, attending a wedding to join in the celebration. There he changed water into the best wine, performing his first known miracle. (3) The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Jesus called the Twelve, started to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and called all to conversion. This work continues on today. (4) The Transfiguration. Jesus was transfigured before Peter. James, and John. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white. Both Moses and Elijah appeared to converse with him. The Father's voice came from the cloud announcing, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." What an awesome scene! This definitely is also a glorious mystery. (5) The Institution of the Eucharist. At the Last Supper, Jesus gave himself to us in this sacrament. This is one greatest miracle because he performed with the greatest humility. It's also a glorious mystery.
Saturday, December 16, 2023
***Union w/God Extraordinary Enuf*
Some saints and mystics in union with God receive favors such as ecstasies, visions, locutions, even experiencing levitation or bilocation. But one can be in union of God without receiving anything extraordinary. The goal of seeking union with God is to know and experience his love to the max, and achieving that goal is extraordinary enough. Any other beautiful experiences received are simply there to help you magnify God's glory to the world.
Friday, December 15, 2023
***A Good Feeling
I love to hear Jesus teaching us, counseling us, and guiding us, for he speaks the truth always. For example, in Matthew 16 he said, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." Such words cut us to the heart. I feel as if the Lord is operating on me, straightening out and curing my soul. We feel good because we are sinners.
***Moving Up to the Highest Position
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.
*****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.