God the Light

        Light is a substance we can sense and measure, whereas darkness is a void, a concept.  We are aware of darkness only when light is absent.  In the same way, we are aware of evil only when God, being our light, is absent.  Therefore, immerse yourself in God the Light and no evil will "materialize" in you. 

We Are Part of God

        In an online interview, one classical pianist pointed out that music is part of his life.  Of course, this is true in every serious musician's case.  Then I thought of us who are Christians that God should be a part of our life.  And it's even better to be aware that we are part of God and then live that part.

Most Beautiful Prayers

        These are the ones inspired by the Holy Spirit.  You pray in total harmony with his will.  You feel the union with him during prayer.

About the Christian Faith

        The Christian faith is such that the deeper it gets, the more beautiful it becomes.

To Be Serious or Hypocritical?

        Today's Gospel reading from Luke 6 prompts me to ask how serious we are in following the Lord.  Jesus asked his disciples, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I command?"  He wanted them to listen to his words and act on them ~ this is likened to building a house with a solid foundation laid on rock.  Otherwise, it's like building a house without a foundation, which can easily collapse and be destroyed.  It's being either a serious Christian or a hypocritical one? 

No Anxiety for Christians

        Anxiety has no place in the life of a Christian, for a Christian is not to do what he wants to do, but to do God's will.  He is not even supposed to be anxious about doing God's will, for he must wait until it's clear to him.  That's why patience is regarded as a sign of holiness.

From Nothing to Something

        A corollary to the last post.  If you think that you are somebody, then here's the bad (and hopefully good) news for you: We are nothing until God makes something out of us.

Thoughts on Life

        We're born into this world, live an unknown number of years, and then leave the world.  We didn't bring anything with us when we came and won't be able to take anything with us when we leave; we're just passing through.  While we are in the world, we depend upon everything that comes from God to survive ~ we are basically "nothing."  But we can become something, in fact, something truly beautiful, if we'll just let God come into our lives to transform us.  All we need to do is to remain open and God will do the work.  It just seems such a natural thing for us to do.

Mary's Birthday Thoughts

        Today is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The more I read about Mary, the more I realize her special sanctity and the important role she assumed in the history of salvation.  She is the greatest among all saints.  Her sorrow at the death of Jesus exceeded what any of us could ever possibly experience.  Because of her supreme humility, God exalted her to be Queen of Heaven.  I am so blessed to have her as my ally, mother, intercessor and partner in doing God's will.  Praised be to the glorious Holy Trinity.  

Unique Features of Catholicism

        Today I am again thinking about some of the unique, outstanding features of Catholicism, my faith.  The whole truth was directly revealed to us by God from above through Christ, not founded by anyone from down below.   It's been handed down through unbroken apostolic succession, not to be modified, changed, or corrected by anyone outside the Church afterwards.

"Surrender" Review

        I've talked about surrender to God a lot.  Here are some more thoughts.  The word "surrender" is not a pleasant one, especially to most men.  Of course, you don't want to surrender to an evil dictator or a mean boss, but surrendering to God is entirely different.  It is basically going home, returning to the one who made you, reconciling with the Father who has always loved you, receiving his love and achieving freedom.  It is what we should for do for eternal happiness.  Nothing can ever be more fulfilling than union with God, initiated by surrender to God.

Don't "Punish" the Lord

        I've known Catholics who left the Church because a priest was not sensitive to a parishioner's needs or advised without showing sufficient love.  This is most fortunate.  We should concentrate on Jesus alone.  Do not be disturbed by anyone, priest or lay Catholic, who does not reflect the light of the Lord.  We should never loosen our hold on Christ.  Bad Catholics do not equate bad Jesus.  It's unfair to "punish" the Lord for the sins of his followers.  When you are no longer bothered by others' misdeeds and have learned to forgive, you'll have peace, still keeping your faith in and love for Christ intact.