I know that Jesus takes away our sins, but what does that really mean? Of course, it means that the Savior has once and for all crushed the power of sin and given us the hope of salvation. More specifically, if a believer sins and repents (or goes to confession in the case the sin is serious), he is then forgiven and made whole again. Often, the same or another sin is committed again ~ this only shows that the tendency to sin is still there. But the Lord can take care of that too! Seek union to be holy and Christlike and he will eradicate your tendency to sin and take away your sins permanently.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Don't Mind Others
I've been observing others and notice that a lot of people do not have peace in them because they are not generous enough to tolerate others who might have offended them either unintentionally or deliberately, or who have not lived up to their expectations. Examples are getting bothered by someone who has an odd mannerism; being disappointed in someone not showing any consideration or gratitude for what he has received; seeing someone not acting in accordance with conventional custom... These are really forms of judging on the same level as gossiping. If you cannot tolerate such others, how can you expect God to tolerate you? Just let them all go in God so that you may have peace in you.
Better or Worse than You Think
Before God, if you consider yourself to be the greatest sinner, you may be a saint already. But if you believe that you are OK and good enough for God, you are definitely worse than you think ~ for lack of humility. (Read the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Luke 18.9-14.)
God, Source of Mercy & Peace
Just before we receive Holy Communion at Mass today, after fraction of the Bread all asked the Lamb of God to have mercy on us twice and then grant us peace once. I felt that I was totally at God's mercy and that he is the source of all my peace. It is absolutely true that everything in heaven and on earth is at God's mercy and that true inner peace can only come from God.
Ego as Your Guide
Do not do anything if you feel that doing it is prompted entirely or just partly by your ego. It may be to give God glory, but the time may not be right yet. When the time is right, God will let you know and you will have peace. Peace is the sign by which you know if the ego is involved or not. (Hint. Extinguish the ego first and you won't have this problem.)
Too Late to Be a Saint?
Never! If God can raise the dead, he certainly can turn a living person into a saint. If you disagree, then you must not think highly of yourself and/or God's power. It's never too late ~ your willingness is the only determining factor.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
To Go Deeper in Love
Some nice people, friends or family members, express their love by helping you whenever they can, in different ways, but they never seem to be interested in finding out how you're feeling or what you are really up to. I may be too harsh by saying that this is rather like going to Mass every Sunday just to discharge your obligation. To really love Jesus, you want to know him well, to find out what his joys and sorrows are, and what his will is for you at all times. Similarly, to love someone deeper is to explore that person deeper, finding out what his true wishes and feelings are, and go from there.
Thoughtful God
When you live in God, not only he shields you from all evil, he also keeps you clean on the inside so that you may continue to enjoy your residency ~ most thoughtful of him!
Monday, May 14, 2012
God Always a Consolation
Sometimes I have trouble finding the right words to express my inner feelings to God, then I realize that he looks into my heart and already knew what's there ~ lucky for me. God is always a consolation to us (and a step ahead of us).
All About Trust
Through Saint Faustina, Jesus spread the message of his Divine Mercy, letting us know that we can trust in him. To trust means no more wondering, no more questions, and no more concern about what might or might not happen. Complete trust brings tremendous freedom! ("Jesus, I Trust in You!")
Keeping Life Simple
Jesus wants to simplify our lives ~ he never gave us any complicated rules; he only wants us to love. To do more is to make life complicated ~ misery then is bred. Make love our sole motivation for living, then we live in God and will enjoy peace.
God the Great Makeover Artist
The story of St. Augustine is an inspiration ~ it shows how God can change a great sinner into a great saint. Brothers and sisters, God can change us again and again, making each day more beautiful. Let God give you a complete and thorough makeover.
On Way to Judgment
With zillions of actions going on and happening around the world, most of which not good, we truly are living in a chaotic, disordered world. I see all of us caught in a whirlpool, being tossed, churned, and pulled downward in slow motion. Eventually, everything will hit the bottom ~ this is the Day of Judgment. God will then settle all cases in his court and chaos will end and order return with everyone put in his right place.
Best Place to Remain In
Today is the Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle, and the Gospel reading is the same as yesterday's at Sunday Mass ~ John 15.9-17. Most beautiful is when Jesus asks the disciples to remain in his love. Imagine resting in his love, being soaked with his love, and living in his love at all times! Give me the most expensive and luxurious penthouse of all Manhattan and I'll choose the love of Lord to live in anytime.
Freedom, Peace, and Joy
After you believe in and have come to know Jesus, since he is the true God, he sets you free ~ this is the first experience. This experience of freedom naturally leads you to inner peace ~ the second experience. As for joy, the Holy Spirit will give it to you whenever he pleases ~ the surprise enhances the joy.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Greatest Love Practiced
Jesus has taught and shown us that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15.13). So why not show our greatest love by laying down our lives in serving others?
How We Live Comes True
If we live as if there will be no next life, then there will be no next life for us; but if we live as if there will a next life, then there will be one for us after we die.
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