In this morning's first reading at Mass from 1 John, St. John the Apostle urges us to always love and never hate others. Jesus laid down his life for us, so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. These are strong words. God has shown us the power of love and that only love can save us and the world. Saying all this sounds hackneyed, but it is the truth. Here we have the secret of peace and our salvation – there is no other way out. Since God is love, we must let love rule our hearts.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
On Getting Up in the Morning
When you wake up every morning, what is your mood? Are you grumpy? Do you have anything to look forward to or would you rather go back to sleep some more? During one past period of my life, I did not look forward much to waking up each morning to face the day, for I hadn't let God completely take over my life yet. But now I am always joyful in getting up as early as possible with only doing what the Lord wants me to do, while leaving everything in his hands, on my agenda. I am acutely aware that for our happiness, we were created to love God alone. This has expelled all anxieties from and brought great peace to my heart – I thank the Lord for that.
*Being Self-Centered?
How important are your various desires to you? Even if all your desires are fulfilled, what do you really gain? Anyway, if your desires are more important than God's will, you are still living a self-centered life.
*Remaining Free
Do not let yourself be enslaved by anything on earth so that you may freely embrace your Father in heaven for all eternity!
Know Where We Are Headed
We should live with a clear vision of the overall scheme of things – how we got here, what our existence means, what life is all about, where we'll go after death ... – never live from one little thing to another, not knowing where we are headed.
Clear Vision of Life
First, realize that you are just passing through the world and will never be able to solve all the problems of your lifetime. Next, know that heaven is definitely where you want to be after you leave this earth. Then it should be clear that you should be content to live an unknown life devoted to serving and loving God only.
The Divine Christ
When we first believe in Jesus, our faith is weak. Then as we come to know him better, we come to believe in him more. Finally, when we attain union with him, all doubts vanish and we are more sure than ever that he is the Lord and God. So, if your faith is still not that strong yet, do not give up, for you are on the right path. By the way, anyone who tells you that Christ is not divine is being deceived by Satan ~ have nothing to do with them.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
*The Bread of Life
Today is the Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. John 6.51 was the Communion antiphon. Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." There is no doubt that the Holy Eucharist I receive at Mass each time is truly (not symbolically as many Protestants believe) the real flesh of the Lord. (If not, then the Apostles, the early fathers of the Church, the great saints throughout history, and all Catholics to this day have committed the sin of idolatry for worshipping a piece of bread!)
To Be Like Jesus
This morning I am thinking about how Jesus, the king of the universe, with whom nothing is impossible, came to us simply preaching the truth and performing great miracles with no hoopla or hype whatsoever, never bragging once about himself and remaining meek and humble through his death on the cross – this alone should inspire us to follow him. To be like him is to be like God and to be with God – there is no higher goal for us. Reach for him to help you succeed!
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
*Life on Fire
If your yearn for the Lord, then he has set your heart ablaze. Let the sweet flame totally engulf and consume your whole being to maximize your enjoyment of the Lord in this life!
Huge Blessing
Communion experience. Receiving the Holy Eucharist is one of the biggest possible blessings God can bestow upon us! Appreciate and treasure the opportunity with all your heart!
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