We eat ordinary food to live. It can be satisfying, but eating too much and you lose your appetite and even get uncomfortable. From Scriptures, we learn that "one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” How true it is! This morning at Mass, I particularly sensed that every saying from Jesus was food for the soul, deeply satisfying and forever sweet and fragrant.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Going All the Way
During and after Holy Communion, I asked Jesus to fill me with all that pleased him to give me, to take over all of me, to bless me amply, and to draw me into him as deeply as possible. Such is the joy of knowing the Lord!
Resolution in Doing God's Will
Today is the Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul. In the Gospel reading from Luke 9, as Jesus knew that he was to be taken from this world, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem. This made me ask: once we know the will of God clearly, do we resolutely proceed to accomplishing it? To be obedient is to do God's will without delay.
Finding God the Right Way
The answer to the brainteaser given in the last post is nothing. What I mean is that the word "nothing" fills the bill. This teaser is like one of those mathematics puzzles and problems that can be very difficult to solve if you don't start out in the right direction, but whose answers are almost obvious if you happen to approach the problem from the right angle. This made me think of our search for God. I know of people who searched for God hard by going through all the religions and came up with nothing. Know that God is not to be revealed by you ~ on the contrary, you are to be open to let him reveal himself to you! The quick and effective approach is to go to Jesus directly with an open mind and you'll find God, your solution.
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Brainteaser
Can you guess the word? The following are seven clues.
(1) The word has seven letters.
(2) It precedes God.
(3) It is greater than God.
(4) It is more evil than the Devil.
(5) All poor people have it.
(6) Wealthy people need it.
(7) If you eat it, you will die.
The Holy Eucharist to Be Taken Seriously
As I had stated, the goal of this blog is to draw all to union with God through the Holy Eucharist. After receiving Holy Communion this morning, I thought of the many Catholics who do not take the Holy Eucharist seriously enough. It's like having the most precious pearl in the world in your home and you don't put it in a nice case nor pay much attention to it. Worse yet, you don't even miss it if it got lost.
The Holy Eucharist, the giving of the Lord himself by himself, if received with the greatest possible reverence and gratitude, is exactly what we need for the complete transformation of us into saintly creatures. Take it seriously and God will draw you deep into him, leading to union.
(Way above all the honors and achievements of the world, union with God is the highest possible attainment of the human soul.)
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Be Aware of Sins
When we are sick or burdened in any way, either physically or mentally, we are quite natural in turning to God for help and relief. But let's be aware that sins are also sicknesses and burdens ~ sicknesses at the spiritual level and burdens to the soul. Since they endanger the soul, it's even more urgent for us to turn to God for removing them.
Sign of Spiritual Progress
If you have fallen in love with the Lord, you'll want him to be present with you at all times. Most activities and events that take place in the world are not intended for God's glory; therefore, as you don't sense his presence, they are no longer attractive or can even be downright boring or nauseating to you. Since you are still in the world and must love all others, this can be quite a cross to bear if your attendance is unavoidable. You should still rejoice though, as you've spiritually advanced. Now, like the Lord, you are no longer of the world.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Gospel Is Now Clear
In the Gospel today from Luke 9, Jesus informed his disciples that he was to be handed over to men, but they did not understand his saying. I just thought how fortunate we were when the message of salvation had already been laid out clearly in the open. What was once veiled in mystery is now awesomely displayed before our eyes. There's no excuse for us to pretend that it's still unclear anymore.
Peace of God Needed
In Philippians 4, Paul talks about the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. This is a gift from the true God to his disciples. You won't find it from any other source nor receive it if you don't follow the Lord with all your heart. It is interior and does not depend upon exterior factors. God means for us to experience him and his peace. In today's chaotic, disorderly world, we need this peace more than ever.
Friday, September 23, 2011
A Way to Remain Humble
One way to remain humble is to never compare yourself with anyone else. Whether you are superior or inferior in any way is not to be considered at all. This also keeps us from judging others. Only how we appear to God matters.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Advice for the Unhappy
Since I felt that my cup overflowed this morning, I thought of any of you out there who are still unhappy. Perhaps you feel that your life is empty, meaningless, with no joy in it. Of course, it needn't be so. This was precisely why Jesus came among us ~ to seek and to save the lost! The good news has been around for 2,000 years, so where have you been?
If you really don't know about the good news, my advice is to find out all about Jesus. Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) in the Bible. If you find Jesus to be the truth, your life can get completely turned around as has happened to countless others, myself included. Then you can read about the early Church and the Catholic faith. Should you not find the truth here, you're no worse than before.
If you've already heard about the good news, then why haven't you made any move? Are you playing deaf? Are you being stubborn? Is it because you have a lot of pride? So much so that you wouldn't even yield before God? My urgent but loving advice to you is: Don't miss the chance of not only turning this life around, but also gaining eternal life afterwards!
Power of the Holy Eucharist Again
As I received the Lord in Holy Communion this morning, I knew that it was no empty gesture ~ I was actually receiving the living bread of heaven, the Lord Jesus himself, who has the power of transforming a pebble into a living saint! My cup overflowed.
Infinite Mercy Deserves Full Trust
Thought before Mass this morning. We don't want to trust in a god if his mercy is finite. Since the mercy of our Lord is infinite, we can trust in him fully. (So "pray and trust," not "pray and worry.")
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Foothold Secured
Thought I had during Mass. I haven't gone to heaven yet, but I've got a foot in the door already and I don't think the Lord will ever slam the door to hurt me if I remain on good behavior.
Heeding God's Call
In the Gospel today from Matthew 9, Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the custom post. He said to him "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.
First of all, how good it is to hear the voice of the Lord calling us! He calls because he loves us and needs us.
Secondly, he still calls us today. We may not actually hear him audibly, but he does speak to our hearts.
Any call from the Lord is to be welcomed, embraced, and treasured, for it's the highest of all calls, intended for his glory and our spiritual good. "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
The Lord for Oneness
Today is the Feast of St. Matthew. In Reading 1 from Ephesians 4, Paul points out the bond of peace: one Body and one Spirit; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. It's clear to me that the Lord wants one Church, not myriad denominations. Most of all, he wants one union with him, not setting ourselves up separately as individual, little gods.
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