How to Shine in the World

        To be a shining light in this dark world as Christ had commanded, let everything you do be motivated by the love of Christ.  (If you are already in love with him, then you must already be doing it.) 

In Love with God

        When you are in love with God, you become attached to him alone; you think of him constantly; and you care foremost what makes him happy or sad.  This is an elevated state of living.



To Be Open and Honest to God

        Today's Gospel reading from John 3 again reminds us that Jesus is the light that came into the world.  Whoever lives the truth goes toward the light so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.  Having not done wicked things, he can confidently lay his heart open before the light, making a full disclosure.  This is the basis for forming a good, honest relationship with God ~ nothing hidden and everything shared.    



Seeking Refuge in God

        In general, people turn to God when they face crises.  But it would be so much better to do it every time your interior peace is disturbed.  This would provide plenty of opportunities for us to show our trust and to get close to him.  This is truly seeking refuge in the Lord.   

To Be Wanted or Not

        Bin Laden was finally killed.  A lot of people are joyful and many consider this to be a great victory for this country.  I am not going to comment on this.  I am only concerned about if the Lord is happy about this or not.  I remember the ten commandments he gave us, and how he loves all of us.  I know how the whole heaven rejoices when one sinner returns to the Father and saddens if one single soul is lost. 

        Bin Laden had been the most wanted man.  No one would want to be in that position.  Then I think of the unborn unwanted by so many ~ they are in an even worse position.  Perhaps the best position to be in is to remain unnoticed in this world.  Well, we are all most wanted by God ~ let's not forget.  This puts us in the luckiest position. 

Lord, What Do You Want to Do with Me?

        This is the key question that matters.  I believe that the Lord wants us to please him alone.  Despite our inadequacies, born deficiencies, and any other disadvantages, let the Lord prune our imperfections, spiritual flaws, and all that's not desirable to him from us.  Let his will be done to us.

Inadequacy Is OK

        Today my own inadequacy in a certain situation showed up.  I realized that only God is perfect and there were no doubt many others who could have done a much job better than I in the same situation.  I am glad that pride was not able to intrude upon me.

To Have Jesus Is to Have Everything

        Since I won't be able to attend Mass tomorrow morning, I went to today's Vigil Mass.  This was a thought I had during Mass, which is fitting on this last day of April: "There is nothing I can claim to be mine except Jesus.  Once I have him, then I have everything as well." 

God Is Dependable

      In these last couple of days, I've been especially sensing that God knows exactly what he is doing and that he is a perfect guide to us.  Therefore, I can totally depend upon him and let myself go in following him.

Jesus Offers Himself

        Thought during Communion.  When Jesus offered himself to me during the  Eucharistic Prayer, he was literally saying, "I am yours."  

Be Detached from the World Now

        Had these thoughts this morning.  If you're already in heaven and look back on your life on earth, I am positive that you will see that all the things to which you were attached on earth were burdens and will not ever want them again.  So the time to be detached from them is now, on earth, just to lighten the baggage on your way to heaven.   

It's All About Love

        At Holy Communion time at Mass, I realized that it's all about love.  God enters me because he loves me; I receive him because I love him.  When you live for love and live in love, sin cannot exist.  Where God shines, darkness cannot be.  Bask in God's love and enjoy it to the fullest.

Only One Extraordinary God

        Since I am already a believer, all things about Jesus ~ the early prophecies, the coming of the Lord, his life, the fulfillment of the prophecies, how he transforms others... ~ fit together perfectly.  If you are not a believer yet, I dare say that if you remain objective and open, you will find that Jesus is the true God.  If you think that some of the things about him are incredible, that's because he is an incredible God!  Would you rather look for an ordinary God? 

What We Are to Fulfill

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 24, Jesus showed up in the midst of his disciples after his Resurrection, showed them his hands and feet and pointed out that everything written about him in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.  He had pointed out earlier again and again that he came to fulfill what is written.  While our mission may not be as specific as the Lord's, it is totally clear that we should do God's will always.  Let us remember that this is what we are here to fulfill.

The Eucharist Refreshes the Soul

        I took a shower before going to Mass, so I felt clean and freshened, still feeling the tingle from the shower water at Mass.  Then I knew that now the Holy Spirit was going to cleanse and refresh my soul as well. 

Surrender, a Good Word

         The word "surrender" can have unpleasant connotations.  You think of surrendering to your enemy, loosing your freedom, etc.  But this is being unfair to the word.  Think of surrendering to God.  Now you have reconciled to your maker, you are home, you experience true freedom, you have secured eternal life, and much more.  Here, surrendering leads to all the good things. 

Humility for Finding God

        To be able to "see" or understand God, humility is absolutely necessary.  It's like having the right password when you want to get on a website.  Otherwise, you can have eyes but still do not see; a mind but still do not comprehend.  That's why many who possess knowledge of the world and/or want to be masters on their own do not let themselves go; instead they keep doubting, questioning... and never get to know or come closer to God.  They make it hard for themselves.   

Receiving Jesus Again

        At Mass today, the thought that Jesus was going to enter me again overwhelmed me.  He had already filled me to the brim and showered me with graces.  His love had been crushing and I remained unworthy.  It all seemed so lopsided.  Nevertheless, how could I possibly turn  him away?  I had gone beyond the point of no-return, with great joy.