**Following the Lord to Glory**

        Today's Gospel Acclamation, based upon Luke 24:46, 26, reads: "Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory." Each of us has our own cross to carry and must die in the Lord and rise again before entering into our glory.

**God Is with Us**

        In today's First Reading from Acts 18, while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision, "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you." I believe that the Lord is with every one of us who works for him, even if he doesn't speak to us in a vision, for it's impossible that he would leave us alone or abandon us. First of all, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, alone is enough to guide us through all our days on earth. Furthermore, by keeping his word, we remain in him already.

***Most Beautiful Act***

        In today's Gospel reading from John 15, Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love." "Remain in the Lord's love"—it is such a beautiful act and within our reach! The Lord is love. Obey him and you are one with him!

**Being Rich Can Be a Handicap**

         In Matthew 19, Jesus said to his disciples, "Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Then we can assume that it will be easier for one who is poor to enter the kingdom of heaven. In the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16), we learn that the rich man died, descended into the netherworld, and suffered torment, while Lazarus, who lay at the rich man's door covered with sores, was carried by angels to the bosom of Abraham. What can we make of all this? It seems that if we focus on satisfying ourselves physically and materially, we get our reward in this life. But if we endure suffering and hardships while trusting in God, he will reward us in the next. This aligns with Matthew 16:24: "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

**Logical Conclusion**

        In today's First Reading from Acts 17, Paul tells the Athenians that the true God is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything, and that it is in him that we live and move and have our being. Indeed, God not only created us, but also sustains us, keeping our hearts beating and lungs breathing. If we see this clearly, we have no choice but to believe in and surrender ourselves to him.

****Good Reminder and Advice***

        Everything in this life passes. In our next life, whether happy or sad, we shall remain the same forever. So, follow Christ now, live for our next life with him, and let the present life go.

***Another Realization (Ultimate Fulfillment)***

        I am not alone at all! In fact, I have Christ, who loves me and understands me perfectly. He cleanses my heart and mind, making me fit for entering heaven. He totally fulfills all I need! When he is yours, you can let go of everything else—including yourself—and be totally free. Alleluia!

**Salve Regina**

        450 people from 33 countries blend together to hail the Holy Queen.

**Know Our Heavenly Mother**

        This is Bishop Barron's Mother's Day message on Mother Mary. It should clear up any misunderstandings many non-Catholics hold about her. She is the greatest saint, God's most obedient daughter, and our Holy Mother in heaven!

***Power of the Cross***

        Here is Bishop Barron's inspiring speech on the Cross (ends at 14:16, before the presenter's comments).