Today during Mass, I felt that I really knew Jesus better than anybody else I ever knew in this life, even though I had never seen him. Of course, he already knows everything about me. When I see him face to face, my yearning will cease as our union reaches perfection.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Only One Correct Love
There is really only one "correct" love, God's love. Not knowing God, the human love is self-centered and can become possessive and jealous. Strictly speaking, this is not even love. On the other hand, the love of God is liberating ~ it frees you because you are now motivated by the Holy Spirit to love for the sheer joy of loving God, not expecting any reward.
Are You Fearless?
If one has a clean conscience and pure heart and loves the Lord, there is really nothing for him to fear. He is ready for the Lord to come at any time. Psalm 27, today's Responsorial Psalm at Mass, starts out: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?"
Now, consider those in the world who are powerful, famous, wealthy, and influential. They appear to be fearless, but will they not cringe when they face the Lord? This is the true test.
If you want to be truly fearless, get the Lord on your side first.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Shocking Good News
More thoughts on Palm Sunday. Jesus has come and brought us the good news. I say "shocking" because it's too good to be true and too good for those who believe. God loves us and through Jesus, we learn what our Father is like. Jesus has revealed the whole truth to us for our salvation. There is just no more news as good as the gospel.
The Love of God
This is Palm Sunday, the day the Lord rode triumphantly into Jerusalem atop an ass, only to be crucified on a cross. I would like to extol the love of God.
(1) The love of God is the most beautiful thing in this world.
(2) The love of God is the only thing that can transform us into beautiful sons and daughters of God, our heavenly Father.
(3) The love of God is the only thing that can give us true peace of the mind and freedom of the heart.
(4) Only the love of God makes it possible for us to have eternal life.
The real good news is that you don't need to go search for this love; it is always there and is yours when you open your heart to Jesus.
Friday, April 15, 2011
True Liberation
Watched a documentary on a once world-famous painter. Here's an extremely talented, young artist, totally immersed in the world, creating amazing works, and became great in the eyes of the world. He continued to seek more respect and success in the art world. In the end unhappiness drove him to taking drugs and he died young and lonely. I am lead to think that how infinitely better it would be to immerse oneself in God, be content to remain unknown, and do works to please the Lord alone. This is true liberation.
Jesus Is the Truth
In today's Gospel reading from John 10, some Jews were ready to stone Jesus. Since Jesus is the light of the world, those in darkness did not like him, hated him, and even killed him at the end. It is no different today. They now hide and run away from him, ignore him, mock him, or even attack outright his Church and followers. He brings division and discomfort to many in this sinful world, precisely because he is the truth, and truth matters.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wish Fulfilled by God
I have posted before about the immense universe we live in and how amazing it is that God loves us on this earth not even the size of a dust particle in its surroundings. I had no say when I came into this world. All this and more made me feel small and helpless on my own ~ I just needed my creator, my God. Then Jesus came and made everything clear. My wish was fulfilled. I am grateful and have now the peace that the Lord has intended for me as his child.
Only the Heart Matters
God looks at the heart only ~ I have mentioned this at various times in the past. Today it got my attention again. My throat felt slightly sore last night and as I was to receive the Lord in Holy Communion at morning Mass, I knew that I must have a lot of bacteria on me and physically, I wasn't too clean either. I realized that the only thing that matters to the Lord is whether my heart is clean or not. If it is and is filled with the love of Christ, then it's ready for him. The spiritual life is really about purifying the heart so that we may approach God with freedom. When a soul with a pure heart embraces the Most Holy God, it is pure joy!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Jesus Sets Us Free!
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.” I can personally testify that Jesus did set me free ~ my heart tells me so. Jesus cleanses and refreshes me by freeing me from the shackles of sin. Anytime a sinful thought surfaces, it's as if I feel the taste of something awful in my mouth and want to spit it right out. After tasting the sweetness and joy of the Lord, sin has become loathsome. Yes, Jesus is the truth!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Staying with the Lord
As I was getting ready this morning to visit some homebound folks, as soon as I got a little elated about sharing some of my good thoughts with them, I sensed that I was leading the Lord again. So I banished them right away and expected to lean upon him for total support and guidance. I have learned that it pleases him the most if we stay with him, neither rushing ahead nor lagging behind.
For Those Who Do Not Believe
The idea for this post came from today's 1st reading, Numbers 21:4-9.
Take a good look at Jesus. If you believe, then you shall live. If you don't, then only you are the cause, for the Lord is ready at any time to welcome and embrace you. He has done his part: he came to us, preached the good news and worked miracles, died for us and rose again. Just what else do you expect to see? To reject the Lord is to reject love, eternal life, and yourself. Jesus is the life. Choose life and you shall have life. Take a good look at him again.
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