Pollution of the Soul

      Pollution of the environment is real and of big concern to the world today.  I mention pollution because as I look around, I see, hear, and read things that mostly pollute the soul.  If you don't watch out, they can easily sink you.  Therefore, a firm foundation grounded in the Lord and his word is imperative for safeguarding the soul.  

Peter Spoke the Truth

        If you have read through the Gospels, you've probably found out that the Apostle Peter was an honest, straightforward guy, never devious or deceptive in any way.  He did deny the Lord three times after his arrest, but that's because he got confused and afraid.  After the Resurrection, he was a changed man.  Hearing his bold proclamation as an eye witness in Acts 2:14, 22-23 during yesterday's Sunday Mass reading confirmed once again my belief that Jesus is the true God.  

Happy Mother's Day to Mary

        Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I'd like to say something on behalf of our Holy Mother Mary.  I entered the Church as a Protestant and I did experience some difficulty in approaching Mary at the beginning.  (Read my conversion story which started this blog.)  I think it's because as a Protestant, I always prayed to God or Jesus.  Praying to Mary was unthinkable because it would make me feel that I am giving away part of my allegiance to Jesus. 

        Another problem is that Protestants and Catholics understand the word "pray" differently.  They both pray to God... which is fine.  When Catholics pray to Mary or an angel or any other saint, they just talk to them, much like talking to someone over the phone.  Somehow when that someone is already in heaven, the word "talk" gets substituted by the word "pray."  Also, in the Catholic view, all saints in heaven and on earth form one big family.  Asking Mary to pray for us is just like asking another brother or sister in Christ on earth to pray for us.  (God alone, not Mary or anyone else, we worship.)  

        Mother Mary always points out her Son to us, never drawing any attention to herself.  She prays unceasingly for all of us.  She is my partner in doing God's will.  The more I love her, the more I love Jesus.  Mary and Jesus are inseparable and we are inseparable from their love, God's love for us.  So, Happy Mother's Day, Dearest Mom.         

Celebrating Death

        I am talking about the death of one's old self.  This death is to be celebrated as it brings great joy to God. 

Asking God to Be Thorough

        Today at Communion time, I asked Jesus to take away not only my sins, but also my tendencies to sin.  I want God to be thorough with me.

The Indwelling Holy Trinity

        I don't see God, but I know that he fills the entire universe.
        I don't see Jesus, but I sense his love for all souls.

        I don't see the Holy Spirit, but I can tell that he is constantly teaching me.

        I know that the Holy Trinity dwells within me.

What We Need in Life

        Wouldn't you like to have someone who can protect and shield you from all evil and is totally trustworthy?

        Wouldn't you like to have a great friend who will always listen to what's on your mind and in your heart with patience and understanding and then help you?  

        Wouldn't you like to have a most wise teacher who can advise you, guide you, and teach you how to live happily in freedom?

        If you answer yes all three times, then look no further.  Our God in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is exactly what you need.

Jesus Takes Away Sins

        Just before receiving Holy Communion this morning, I really felt that Jesus was going to take away all my sins and I was ready to go to him.  Great mercy from him and great freedom for me.

God Is Always Ahead

        In today's Gospel reading from John 6, we read that a large crowd was coming to Jesus.  And he said to Philip, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?" to test him, knowing well what he was going to do.  The multiplication of five barley loaves and two fish followed and there was more than enough to feed the five thousand. 

        A good lesson for us here.  The Lord does test us from time to time, but we can handle that knowing that he already knows what he is going to do with us.  This is just too good to be true.  Our part is to trust and wait.     

Suffering for the Sake of Jesus

        From Reading 1 from Acts 5 at Mass: "The Apostles rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name of Jesus."  If we are not willing to suffer a little bit for the sake of Jesus, who willingly gave up his own life for our sake, then what are we?  To suffer for Jesus is an honor and should bring great joy. 

Real Presence Is Real!

        Today's Entrance verses from Revelation 5: "By your blood, O Lord, you have redeemed us from every tribe and tongue, from every nation and people..."  This made me think that Jesus had let his real body be nailed to a cross and his real blood flow to redeem us, but instituted Holy Communion at the Last Supper using bread and wine as mere symbolic representations of his body and blood with no real presence... no way!  Jesus broke the bread and actually said, "This is my body" and took the cup of wine and said, "This is the cup of my blood" to his disciples.  Protestants, you don't know what you are missing!

Be Detached to Others

        The following thought just surfaced in my mind.  Someone close to me will be moving away from me soon and I felt a tinge of sadness.  Then I realized that if that person (or anyone for that matter) is moving away from Jesus, I would feel even sadder.  I'd rather have everyone stay close to him than me.  Again, I must be attached to the Lord alone and detached to all others. 

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.